Finance Specialist

Department

Library Administration - Human Resources & Facilities Administration

About the Department

Widely known as guardian of one of the largest academic library collections in North America, the University of Chicago Library is redefining its role as a provider of services within an increasingly open global knowledge ecosystem. We value open and equitable access to knowledge, freedom of speech and inquiry, and working in partnership within and beyond the UChicago community. We are creating a working environment that embraces innovation and respect and that celebrates and develops staff.
As part of the University of Chicago, we offer a wide variety of strong benefits and programs to academics and staff. From a choice of comprehensive health plan options and wellness programs, short and long-term disability insurance, continuing education opportunities including educational assistance plans, competitive retirement plans and paid time off (vacation, personal and University holidays), we’re committed to providing benefits and a work environment that matters!

Job Summary

The Finance Specialist reports to the Senior Director of Human Resources and Interim Head of Finance and will support the Library Finance Manager by providing budget, financial, and analytical input, and assisting with special projects. The Finance Specialist will use knowledge of general and organizational finance systems to help coordinate analysis and reporting for the Library’s operating, endowment, gifts, capital, and other internal budgets.

Responsibilities

• Works with Library departments to prepare, monitor, and analyze budgets. Utilizes moderate knowledge of finance to help coordinate year-end reporting for the operating budget.
• Prepares monthly financial forecast reports for the Central Budget office, conducts and corrects errors in accounts using existing procedures that are in place, and provides advice on the financial impact of Library Operations and Service decisions.
• Supports monthly, quarterly, and annual department reporting processes.
• Reviews department requests for purchase of supplies, services, and other procurement in conformance with University and Library policies and processes and consistent with Library service needs and budget allocations. Provides appropriate chart of accounts as needed.
• Performs a variety of accounts receivable/payable related activities using existing procedures to solve routine or standard problems.
• Performs journal entries or expense transfers in the Oracle system as needed.
• Supports new and continuous training for department staff.
• Maintains spreadsheets, databases, and financial tracking tools.
• Responds to and researches accounts receivable/payable inquiries including payments to vendors and reimbursements to individuals with guidance and direction from others.
• Collects, interprets, and performs routine analyses of payables data. Likely to act as an informal resource to associates with less experience.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred QualificationsEducation:

• A college or university degree in related field highly preferred, preferably in accounting or finance.

Experience:

• Minimum two years of finance, accounting, or financial auditing are highly preferred. 

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency with computers, including electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial systems, and word processing applications.
• Proficiency with University research, financial and HR/payroll systems including Oracle, AURA, Concur, Workday or similar systems.
• Aptitude for financial terms and formulas and/or prior experience for working with business essential finance formulas, including completing estimations/projections, and budget calculations strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of general accounting standards, budgets, invoice, payment tracking, and fiscal reporting preferred. 

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent organizational skills with considerable skill in solving bookkeeping problems independently with attention to detail.
• Mathematical, analytical, investigative and critical thinking skills preferred. 
• Financial and analytic skills with an understanding of financial processes and controls, including the budget reconciliation process. 
• Demonstrates attention to detail and exemplary organization skills. 
• Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues to contribute to the working group's achievement of goals effectively, and to help foster a positive work environment. 
• Collaborate effectively.
• Exercise sound judgment and absolute discretion regarding confidential matters with tact.
• Handle multiple and competing tasks, to prioritize workload.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work schedule.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$28.21 - $33.33

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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