Edtech.com's Summary

Columbia University is hiring a Financial Analyst for the Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics. The role manages research programs and projects during pre- and post-award phases, oversees budget monitoring, reconciles financial transactions, and supports payroll and purchasing compliance for government, private, and other projects.

Highlights

Oversee research program budgets and expenditures for government, private, and other projects.
Manage financial reconciliation and monthly reporting to Principal Investigators.
Maintain salary and payroll databases, processing distributions for graduate and teaching assistants.
Review purchase orders, expense reports, and ensure compliance with institutional and government policies.
Serve as liaison with various university administrative departments.
Proficiency with financial software, including journal entry and cost transfer modules.
Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field; 2-4 years of financial management experience.
Preferred qualifications include master's degree, academic/research environment experience, advanced Excel skills, and certifications such as PMP or CPA.
Salary range of $72,000 to $76,500 annually, dependent on qualifications and experience.
Position is full-time within the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Financial Analyst Full Description

Job Type: Officer of Administration
Bargaining Unit:
Regular/Temporary: Regular
End Date if Temporary:
Hours Per Week: 35
Standard Work Schedule:
Building:
Salary Range: $72,000 to $76,500

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

The Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics is seeking a dedicated professional to oversee the research programs and manage various projects for the Department during the pre- and post-award phases, and for monitoring budgets and expenditures for government, private, and other projects.

About the School:

The Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics is part of a prestigious institution known for its cutting-edge research and academic excellence. The school offers a collaborative and innovative environment, fostering interdisciplinary research and education. With a commitment to advancing knowledge in applied physics and applied mathematics, the department is home to world-renowned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, providing a dynamic and supportive setting for both students and staff

Responsibilities

Financial Reconciliation & Reporting (30%):
- Reconcile all expenditures monthly and process corrections using the Journal Entry and Cost Transfer modules.
- Prepare and distribute monthly financial reports to PIs for sponsored and non-sponsored projects, including payroll, transaction details, and summary data to support planning and decision-making.
- Maintain a department-wide database of account transactions and ensure accurate documentation and filing.
- Assist with fiscal year-end closing, including affirming POs and reconciling departmental, discretionary, and start-up projects.
- Assist with the closeout of government grant projects.
Payroll & Student Support (35%):
- Develop and maintain an internal salary database with real-time updates; manage reconciliation procedures to ensure proper allocation of salary charges each month.
- Process salary distributions for GRAs, DRAs, and TAs.
- Reconcile student tuition, stipends, and fees.
- Support the Business Manager by clearing payroll suspense and assisting PIs with budget preparation.
Purchasing & Compliance (15%):
- Review and process purchase orders, P-Card transactions, travel and business expense reports, check requests, and invoices, ensuring compliance with University and government policies.
- Complete annual Recharge Center license applications and manage quarterly billing for SEM, Poster Printer, Microstructural Characterization, and Structural & Mechanical Property licenses.
Collaboration & Administrative Support (20%):
- Serve as liaison with Facilities, Accounts Payable, Sponsored Project Administration, Sponsored Project Finance, Controller’s Office, and Purchasing.
- Serve as backup processor for casual personnel forms and timesheets.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as finance, accounting, business administration, or a related discipline.
Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in financial management, project coordination, or a similar role.
Proficiency in financial software and database management.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Experience with budget preparation and financial reporting.
Familiarity with government and private grant regulations and compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
Experience in an academic or research environment.
Knowledge of university financial systems and policies.
Proficiency in advanced Excel functions and data analysis tools.
Certification in project management (e.g., PMP) or financial management (e.g., CPA).
Experience with journal entry and cost transfer modules.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
Experience with salary reconciliation procedures and processes.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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

Original Job Description

Job Type: Officer of Administration
Bargaining Unit:
Regular/Temporary: Regular
End Date if Temporary:
Hours Per Week: 35
Standard Work Schedule:
Building:
Salary Range: $72,000 to $76,500

Position Summary

About the School:

Responsibilities

Financial Reconciliation & Reporting (30%):
- Reconcile all expenditures monthly and process corrections using the Journal Entry and Cost Transfer modules.
- Prepare and distribute monthly financial reports to PIs for sponsored and non-sponsored projects, including payroll, transaction details, and summary data to support planning and decision-making.
- Maintain a department-wide database of account transactions and ensure accurate documentation and filing.
- Assist with fiscal year-end closing, including affirming POs and reconciling departmental, discretionary, and start-up projects.
- Assist with the closeout of government grant projects.
Payroll & Student Support (35%):
- Develop and maintain an internal salary database with real-time updates; manage reconciliation procedures to ensure proper allocation of salary charges each month.
- Process salary distributions for GRAs, DRAs, and TAs.
- Reconcile student tuition, stipends, and fees.
- Support the Business Manager by clearing payroll suspense and assisting PIs with budget preparation.
Purchasing & Compliance (15%):
- Review and process purchase orders, P-Card transactions, travel and business expense reports, check requests, and invoices, ensuring compliance with University and government policies.
- Complete annual Recharge Center license applications and manage quarterly billing for SEM, Poster Printer, Microstructural Characterization, and Structural & Mechanical Property licenses.
Collaboration & Administrative Support (20%):
- Serve as liaison with Facilities, Accounts Payable, Sponsored Project Administration, Sponsored Project Finance, Controller’s Office, and Purchasing.
- Serve as backup processor for casual personnel forms and timesheets.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as finance, accounting, business administration, or a related discipline.
Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in financial management, project coordination, or a similar role.
Proficiency in financial software and database management.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Experience with budget preparation and financial reporting.
Familiarity with government and private grant regulations and compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
Experience in an academic or research environment.
Knowledge of university financial systems and policies.
Proficiency in advanced Excel functions and data analysis tools.
Certification in project management (e.g., PMP) or financial management (e.g., CPA).
Experience with journal entry and cost transfer modules.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
Experience with salary reconciliation procedures and processes.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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

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