Finance Specialist (Finance)

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 School of Engineering and Computing Dean's Office is seeking a skilled finance professional to manage special projects within the school's financial operations. This position performs complex financial functions that support school-wide programs and initiatives, ensuring compliance with university policies and external regulations. In addition, the role will lead and support special projects related to finance, working closely with the Assistant Dean of Finance and Research Administration to advance the strategic and operational goals of the School.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, experienced in higher education finance, and thrives in a fast-paced environment requiring independent judgment and a strong understanding of financial policies and systems.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is hybrid, allowing flexibility for remote or on-campus work. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range:

This position is a part-time, 20 hr per week position. Salary commensurate with experience.

This position is a one-year term-limited position.

*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.
• 3+ years' experience in finance, accounting, or budget management.

Preferences:

• Experience managing STEM-related research grants and faculty funding.
• Familiarity with the financial reporting needs of faculty in Engineering disciplines.
• Prior experience working within Rice University systems and processes is strongly valued.

Skills:

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Advanced knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning and financial systems.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Advanced professional communication skills, including the ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and management.
• Strong project management skills and ability to contribute to or lead part of a multi-functional team.

Essential Functions:

• Performs highly analytical, complex finance and control functions; multi-dimensional and complex reconciliations and related analysis; prepares, reviews, and approves complex transactions and higher-level dollar value transactions.
• Develops complex budget and forecasting scenarios, long-range planning and analyses for financial reporting and presentations; designs and runs ad hoc reports.
• Recommends and develops solutions that may require policy changes or the development of new processes; maintains a broader organizational and university perspective in decision making.
• Manages compliance program for area of responsibility.
• Leads and executes unit or cross-functional projects and teams, makes decisions regarding projects and programs affecting operational effectiveness, policies, or processes.
• Engages in continuous critical analysis of existing systems and processes; makes recommendations to achieve greater efficiencies and improve internal controls.
• Defines requirements, develops and implements complex test cases, performs testing, and analyzes results.
• Leads and supports unit and organization strategy and change management initiatives.
• Represents organization to client groups and external partners; serves as subject matter expert on matters that involve complex technical, financial, or subject matter expertise.
• Assesses client and business needs, and formulates recommendations to determine approach to managing and completing processes.
• Performs all 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.