BUSINESS AND FINANCE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST
Job Description
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.
Housing & Food Services (HFS) supports over 10,000 student residents and operates 40+ dining locations on campus. With a team of over 1,200 staff and students, HFS is dedicated to enhancing student life through teamwork and excellent service.
In Housing & Food Services, our DEI statement reads: HFS will become an organization that prioritizes inclusive workplace communities, centered on belonging and opportunity for all staff. All HFS staff must accept responsibility to identify and interrupt biases, privilege, barriers, and power dynamics. We challenge ourselves to engage in open dialogue, active listening, and empathic learning.
POSITION PURPOSE
Provide direct support to the centralized operational functions provided by HFS Business & Finance Office. Manage key programs to ensure effective operations, including training, initiating policies & procedures, financial reporting, research and analysis, SharePoint and Teams sites content management. Manage and lead efforts for all new employee onboarding and training as it relates to financial operations – specifically, Workday payroll and finance.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage central operations-related support and resources to ensure unit practices are uniform, predictable and reflect best practices.
- Collaborate with unit and department staff to ensure that policies and best practices are followed to enhance functionality and teamwork.
- Support Business Partner team in the development, management and conduction of compliance activities such as audits, to ensure department’s adherence to established policies, procedures and that departmental standards and expectations are followed.
- Collaborate with Business Partner team to correct any problems or issues revealed during audits.
- Develop, implement, and monitor customer service assessment programs and key performance metrics
- Assist Business & Finance team on special projects regarding support of project management and participation as needed.
- Manage business-related special projects as assigned. Track finance team workload efforts to ensure balance between operational and project work.
- Provide support to HFS finance team as needed, particularly payroll, finance, and procurement processes in Workday.
- Develop and manage data collection to support unit efforts as requested.
- Monitor and update existing centralized policies, procedures, and processes.
- Manage the initiation of additional policies, procedures or processes in support of UW, HFS, and unit initiatives.
- Develop, implement, and manage operations-based training and onboarding processes for managers and permanent staff to ensure consistency and compliance of UW policies and procedures. This may include classroom, one-on-one, written manuals and documentation.
- Assess effectiveness of training programs and recommend improvements.
- Provide individual onboarding, coaching and training to new managers and stakeholders as needed.
- Administer and maintain unit SharePoint and Teams sites.
- Oversee the central work management tool for customer service inquiries, UW Connect.
- Provide security administration for HFS financial business systems by ensuring HFS staff have appropriate access and training.
- Other duties as assigned.
IMPACT TO THE UNIVERSITY
Proper monitoring of administrative and operational processes that are essential to the financial health of HFS. Having accurate and timely assessment data regarding operations allows for adjustments before they trend. This person will ensure best practices and controls are in place to maintain fiscal health of the department
POSITION COMPLEXITIES
Without direct authority over staff, the position uses influence, data and professional credibility via past experience to ensure operational compliance. Assists the Finance Leadership Team in communicating UW and HFS operational goals and objectives. Position must ensure collaboration with other departments to help improve efficiencies for processes. Position must convey to other staff members the vision, values and priorities of the Department and that work within the unit is in alignment.
SUPERVISORY
None
WORKING CONDITIONS
Primary office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additional work time may be required for special events. This entails attending and participating in events that occur outside of the core primary office hours.
REPORTS TO
Chief Financial Officer
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in financial operations or related field
- Minimum of two years of working experience in financial operations, preferably in a university setting.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Strong analytical, project management, and organizational skills
- Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
- Effective presentation and communication skills that demonstrate preparation, research, and delivery that are scaled for small, large and diverse groups.
- Strong computer experience operating Microsoft Office Programs and running reports.
- Ability to define deliverables, coordinate project plans, align resources, manage audit projects, and present final reports to management.
- Promotes and ensures a culture that is driven by the mission of providing an environment that enhances the student experience and focuses on the practice of excellent customer service.
- Ability to understand business needs, communicate and translate them into operational requirements.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and collaborate effectively with different level of employees and customers.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
CONDITITONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- A satisfactory outcome from the employment reference check processes and education verification.
Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
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