Financial Specialist Intermediate

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The letter should address your:

  • Specific interest in this position, and;
  • Skills and experience which directly relate to this position

Note: In order for the career portal system to accept the cover letter, please include this as the first page of your resume document, so that you are submitting only ONE combined document.  This combined document will be reviewed to assess how you meet the stated qualifications, including your written communication skills.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Financial Administration and Internal Controls Manager, the Financial Specialist Intermediate assists with financial management, reporting, and internal controls. This position will be responsible for the thorough review of financial transactions and reporting for a board customer base, and providing direction regarding accounting and budgeting. In addition to financial duties, this position will maintain internal controls documentation, meeting with stakeholders annually.

Who We Are

The School of Kinesiology is currently the fourth largest school at the University of Michigan, the top public research institution in the country. Currently, we have three undergraduate majors, five graduate degree programs, and 28 research labs and centers. We are proud to occupy the fully renovated School of Kinesiology Building, a 221,600 gross square foot space adjacent to the Diag. It is an exciting time to be in the School of Kinesiology; read more about us here.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

  • Generous time off
  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
  • Maternity and parental leave
  • University commitment to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities

Responsibilities*

Note: (EF) = Essential Function

Financial Management and Processing (50%)

  • Assist faculty/staff with expense classification and travel or P-Card questions. (EF)
  • Review and approve expense reports for faculty and staff. (EF)
  • Establish new accounts, transfers within School and make correcting entries as needed. (EF)
  • Process financial awards in the Financial Aid system. (EF)
  • Process payments for suppliers and individuals. (EF)
  • Understand University policies as it relates to full management of the project grant. (EF)

Internal Controls (25%)

  • Prepare internal control documents and gap analysis reports for Cash Handling(Cash/Checks), HSIP, Gifts, PCard with the approval of the Financial Administration and Internal Controls Manager. (EF)
  • Complete annual review of Kinesiology internal controls with Financial Administration and Internal Controls Manager. (EF)
  • Support the departments in the school with establishing and adhering to internal control practices. (EF)

Financial Planning and Reporting (20%)

  • Perform financial forecasting for outreach programs, such as Kinesiology Community Programs (KCP)/Kidsport, including developing budget projections. (EF)
  • Assist with preparing financial reports and distribute them to Principal Investigators. (EF)

Other Duties (5%)

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field.
  • Minimum of 2 years of relevant financial experience.
  • Knowledge of, or ability to quickly become familiar with, relevant University policies related to research administration, financial reporting, and travel. 
  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency with the use of Microsoft Office products and Google.
  • Proven success with contributing to a positive workplace culture, and ability to consistently demonstrate our school's Core Values.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

  • Demonstrated success in building positive and effective relationships and partnerships with all levels and populations of employees.
  • Strong and demonstrated attention to detail and ability to think analytically.
  • Ability to work independently, set priorities, multitask, and meet multiple deadlines.
  • Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to anticipate problems and take appropriate initiative.
  • Proven ability to manage time, assignments, and projects effectively, including consistent follow-up to keep stakeholders informed about progress.
  • Proven record of attention to detail and accuracy, with a low rate of errors.
  • Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated competence in writing and editing documentation for diverse audiences.
  • Skilled in developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different stakeholders.
  • Experience setting priorities and adapting successfully as priorities shift.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive employee and business information with utmost confidentiality.
  • Ability to work under pressure in a complex environment and maintain a calm and professional demeanor.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

The general salary range for this position is $60,000 - $65,000, with eligibility to participate in the school's 2026 merit program.  An offer may be extended outside of this range based on equity, experience, knowledge, and skills for the position. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor understanding and transparency throughout the recruiting process. Benefits are included with this position.

This position has the potential for a hybrid schedule with a remote option up to 2 days/week (with Wednesdays being a required in-office day).  Remote work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change dependent on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.