Financial Specialist

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

The Division of Outreach and Continuing Education consists of ten departments and over 100 employees. The mission of the Division of Outreach is to create innovative and accessible pathways to academic, personal, and professional enhancement for a diverse body of learners through collaboration with our community, regional, and national partners. The Division values integrity, quality, and efficiency in the creation and implementation of innovative educational strategies to enrich lives through exploration, engagement, and transformation.

The Financial Specialist position is in the Office of Business and Finance (OBF).  OBF is made up of four full-time staff and provides HR, payroll, procurement, cash reporting, budgeting and financial reporting support to the Division of Outreach units.  This position reports directly to the Accountant II and provides support to the Business Manager.  We share an office suite pod in the Jackson Avenue Center with Outreach Administration.

Please visit www.outreach.olemiss.edu for further information about the division and our programs.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family -  Finance

Sub-Family - Financial Support

Career Track / Level - P2

Grade - 8

Role Summary

This position performs routine, professional-level financial support functions, is part of the Business and Finance team and will perform a variety of financial support tasks such as processing procurement transactions, facilitating the cash report process, posting job requisitions, reconciling accounts, and assisting with budget/financial reports.  The ideal candidate will be organized, attention detailed and enjoy frequent interaction with Outreach student workers and staff.  We are seeking a team player ready to help the business office through an exciting period with Project Encompass. Project Encompass is the university’s initiative to modernize the campus enterprise systems that house student information, human resources/payroll, and financial data.

Examples of Work Performed

• Oversee the Outreach procurement cards which includes reviewing charges, collecting and organizing supporting documents, assigning general ledger codes, and posting three to six Visa statements weekly
• Reviews invoices and processes vendor payments daily
• Creates cash reports, facilitates review and approval, and deposits funds (on average twice a week)
• Daily scans, organizes, and saves electronic documentation accurately in departmental Box folders for record retention
• Frequently communicates with Outreach staff of all levels to process procurement transactions timely and to answer routine procurement, travel, or cash receipting questions
• Proactively communicates with supervisor about complex questions or issues
• Process electronic forms for HR, payroll, and vendor payment actions (daily to weekly depending on volume)
• Tracks, monitors, and ensures accuracy of cash reports and procurement items using existing procedures (daily to weekly depending on volume)
• Processes Marketplace revenue transfers semi-monthly and refunds weekly
• Reviews payroll deduction and bursar uploads for accuracy
• Processes semi-monthly student worker timesheets
• Assists with reconciliation processes
• Creates financial and budget reports using Excel
• Reviews and processes Foundation requests (on average monthly)
• Reviews and processes job requisitions (on average monthly)
• Explains work assignments to student workers and provides feedback
• Assists with ad hoc travel document preparation and review
• Ensures fiscal compliance with federal, state and University policies and procedures
• Perform other financial support and related duties as required or needed

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Assists in providing routine financial operational support for a department, college, program, which may include monitoring, organizing, updating, and providing guidance on procurement transactions, accounts payable/receivable transactions, fiscal records and reports and affiliated materials; processes reimbursements and assigns funding codes in accordance with established rules, regulations and policies.
2. Tracks vendor reports, records, and fund ledgers using existing tracking systems to ensure compliance with established rules and regulations.
3. Reconciles assigned ledgers and clearing accounts in unit; recommend adjustments and escalates problems to higher levels.
4. Answers fiscal questions and provides information based on set materials and standards to various audiences.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience: (3) Three Years Experience 

Substitution Statement: An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered for this role. Substitutions of the required experience or education will be assessed on a 1:1 substitution basis.

Preferred Qualifications

For full consideration, please include a resume and cover letter.

Intermediate Excel skills are preferred.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

This position will require a financial (credit) report. Selected candidates should have a low credit debt. Background checks are completed post offer of employment. University employees moving into a new position that requires a financial (credit) report must complete a new background check.

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.