Financial Assistant

• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: Local 2110
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $59,603-$59,603

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director of Finance in the Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, the incumbent will be the first point of contact for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the department (in-person and on the phone), the Financial Assistant is responsible for day-to-day transactional coding, A/P processing, and general financial support inquiries. Process invoices, check requests, faculty and staff reimbursements, P Cards, and travel expense reports online, using the University's central systems (ARC and Concur). Review all invoices and perform quality checks, including verification, etc. Research, and review including checking for duplicate payments, review of processed invoices to validate subcode, etc. Coordinate vendor setup and modifications. Liaise with vendors, managers, and central procurement offices to resolve any processing issues. Process timesheets, requisitions, purchase orders, and interdepartmental invoices. Coordinate the activities of work-study and casual student employees. File invoices and perform other duties as assigned

Responsibilities

• (30%) First point of contact for all students, faculty, staff, and visitor to the department (in-person and on the phone), process all procurement, accounts payable, and p-card (University credit card) transactions for the department.
  • Pick up and distribute department mail on the daily basis. Log in all department package deliveries. Send notifications to all package recipients
• (30%) Supports and completes all day-to-day transactional coding, A/P processing, and general financial support inquiries.
  • Analyze, code, and process invoices, check requests, faculty and staff reimbursements, P-cards, and travel expense reports online, using the University's central systems (ARC and Concur).
  • Review all invoices and perform quality checks, including billing verification. Create new vendors in the financial system. Coordinate vendor setup and modifications.
• (15%) Research, including duplicate payments, and carry out other analyses and reconciliations.
  • Liaison with vendors, managers, and Central Procurement to resolve any processing issues.
  • Process requisitions and purchase orders, interdepartmental invoices, and journal entries.
  • File invoices and perform other accounts payable clerical duties as assigned.
• (10%) Create and maintain financial filing systems and convey routine information regarding University, School, and Department financial systems.
• (5%) Coordinate the activities of work-study and casual student employees
• (5%) Work with Vendors to resolve payment problems identified through monthly reporting reconciliation and maintenance.
• (5%) Perform related duties and projects as assigned; when requested, the incumbent may be asked to support the other functions of the Department.

Minimum Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or its equivalent is required. A maximum of three years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance preferred or two to four years of financial-related experience. Knowledge of GAAP and Uniform Guidance Principles is strongly preferred.
• Experience in AP/ARC preferred. Experience in proposal writing, budget preparation, accounting procedures, and Web site design is preferred.
• Must be able to work collaboratively with the SEAS Office of the Dean, Central University offices, faculty, students, PIs, and administrative staff.
• Strong attention to detail and good communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are required. Must have initiative, discretion, and the ability to establish priorities and work under pressure with good judgment and with limited supervision and a positive, team-building attitude.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

Commitment to Diversity

Columbia University is dedicated to increasing diversity in its workforce, its student body, and its educational programs. Achieving continued academic excellence and creating a vibrant university community require nothing less. In fulfilling its mission to advance diversity at the University, Columbia seeks to hire, retain, and promote exceptionally talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.