Enable America Jobs

• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: Local 2110
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $57,941 - $58,941

Position Summary

Columbia University has a rich history of teaching and conducting research in physics. Over the years, Columbia graduates and other scientists who have spent time here have gone on to make significant contributions to the field of science as researchers, teachers, and leaders. The Physics Department at Columbia University is proud of its diverse and transformational research, which has led to more than 10 Nobel Prize winners since 1944. The department is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming work environment where everyone is treated with fairness and respect, and where all individuals have equal access to opportunities and resources to achieve their scientific goals.

The Financial Coordinator will report to the Director of Budget Operations. The incumbent will provide day-to-day support on financial processes, such as purchasing, accounts payable, and financial reporting. The Financial Coordinator will prepare reports, keep accurate documentation, and manage supplies.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates with faculty and research staff on purchasing requests for scientific equipment and materials for labs mainly funded with government grants; provides guidance to the purchasing groups regarding the University purchasing procedures and the protocols of the various funding agencies, processes purchase orders.

• Reconciles P-CARD transactions in a timely manner to ensure all the transactions comply with granting agency regulations, University procedures, and accurate distribution of costs.

• Process different types of financial transactions, such as purchasing orders, check requests, and Net30 invoices; performs billing and processes ITF; engages with vendors and the administrative offices at Columbia, including Purchasing, Capital Assets Accounting, Accounts Payable, Sponsored Projects Administration, and Sponsored Projects Finance to ensure a smooth flow of transactions, and resolves any processing issues with vendors and Columbia central offices in a timely manner.

• Performs monthly expenditures reconciliation to prevent liability to the Department and the University. It includes reconciling vendor payments, checks for duplicate payments, reviewing processed invoices to validate account distribution, and monitors faculty research accounts and other departmental accounts to avoid overspending, and ensures all transactions comply with University and federal government policies.

• Prepares monthly Department Financial Reports on assigned project and provides them to undergraduate program director and faculty members; and assists with internal and external audit and fiscal year closing.

• Keeps tracks and maintains departmental stocks of instructional and office supplies.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.

• Three years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college preferred.

• Experience in an academic environment with some experience with University financial systems: Purchasing ARC, FDS, and FINSYS.

Other Requirements

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and verbal and written communication skills required. Attention to detail is essential.

• Ability to work independently, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and handle pressure and frequent interruptions with minimum supervision.

• High level of discretion and confidentiality is required. Strong computer experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel and Word necessary.

• Ability to acquire quickly knowledge of University electronic financial systems: ARC, Purchasing, FDS, FINSYS, Labor Accounting; and federal and university regulations.

• Commitment and self-driven desire for high-quality service with a strong sense of teamwork.