Finance Specialist at Rice University in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

Instructions for applicants: Please attach a cover letter and resume as a PDF.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name - RICE - Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing:

The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment. We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought, and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Position Summary:

The Department of Computer Science in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing has an open Finance Specialist position. This role involves analyzing and managing financial data, identifying and resolving discrepancies, and supporting the accounting team. In addition, the Finance Specialist will prepare and interpret financial reports, clear p-card expenses, prepare and submit reimbursements, and serve as a primary resource for internal client support.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate for this position will need to be able to work independently, have a basic understanding of accounting practices in higher education, and enjoy working in a team environment. This position requires judgment, responsiveness, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple tasks while demonstrating excellent interpersonal and communication skills within and outside the department.

Workplace Requirements:

Hybrid position: This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $52,500 and $60,800 per year.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
  
  
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
  
  
• 2+ years of experience in Finance, Accounting, Business Operations, or a related field
  
  
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
  
  

Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
• User knowledge and demonstrated experience of financial systems
• Understanding and ability to apply basic accounting skills and concepts
• Advanced communication skills, including the ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal audiences and client groups
• Basic project management skills and ability to contribute as part of a project team

Preferences:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years' experience in Finance, Accounting, Business Operations, or related fields

Essential Functions:

• Performs structured analysis; conducts data mining; identifies, clarifies, and investigates discrepancies and exceptions; proactively develops solutions and processes
• Maintains, reconciles, reviews, combines, and validates financial data sets and accounts
• Assists in preparation of management information reports
• Performs preliminary analysis, recognizes exceptions, and recommends solutions that may require policy changes or the development of new processes
• May provide support for annual budget preparation
• Develops and maintains desktop procedures and process documentation for area of responsibility
• Reconcile p-card expenses
• Manage copiers and oversee shared facilities for the department
• Balance and monitor faculty funds, ensuring accounts are accurate and up to date
• Submit requests to add students, visitors, and external companies to the Supplier system to facilitate reimbursements and invoice payments
• Process and receive orders for faculty, staff, and students
• Provide guidance and information to faculty regarding available grants and funding
• Assist with other departmental duties and special projects as needed to support overall operations
• Process expense reports and reimbursements in a timely manner
• Serves as a first-line resource to client groups on matters in work unit
• Performs other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.

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