Budget Specialist and Assistant to Vice President for Administration and Finance

Budget Specialist and Assistant to the VPAF provides fiscal and budget support, employing generally accepted accounting principles and methods within established policies and procedures of the university to promote fiscal best practices, and financial sustainability. Provides administrative support to the Vice President for Administration and Finance and the Office of Budget and Strategic Financial Planning that involves planning, organizing and performing a variety of complex technical, clerical, accounting, and administrative duties. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills and judgement within a rapidly changing work environment. This position works under the supervision of the Budget Manager and within a team environment.

Budget/Accounting: Assists Office of Budget and Strategic Financial Planning in preparation and development of the annual operating and capital budgets, Legislative Appropriation Request, fiscal notes, and other financial projections and analysis throughout the year. Reviews requests for budget transfers to ensure compliance with university policies and procedures, verifies availability of funds and contacts departments when budget is unavailable, and then posts the entries after they are approved. Completes monthly encumbrance liquidations for fringe and longevity. Creates and maintains position control numbers. Works with departments on budget related questions. Maintains monthly salary savings data. Maintains files, fiscal records, and confidential and restricted information. Serves as back-up for the Budget Analyst, as needed.

Administrative: Coordinates and manages meetings, activities and/or work within the Administration and Finance Division, Budget Oversight Committee, and other events hosted by the Vice President. Manages the calendar of the Vice President for Administration and Finance, makes appropriate travel arrangements and prepares travel reimbursements documents. Handles student inquiries and prepares financial appeals for the Vice President to review. Performs specialized tasks requiring high level of keyboarding and Microsoft Office software skills, computer operation, preparing reports and special research projects as assigned. Handles routine and confidential correspondence and screens visitors of the office. Maintains the Office of Budget and Strategic Financial Planning and the Administration and Finance webpages. Maintain confidentiality in all matters related to the division, including organizational plans and human resources matters. Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical work environment is an office, working at a desk for long periods of time. Regular computer keyboard, mouse and monitor use.

Accounting, banking, bookkeeping, and/or related business experience required. Must demonstrate progressive and responsible experience in business practices and procedures, including office and administrative work. Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles required. Word processing/PC experience is required. High level of quality service in meeting with various constituencies of the university and promoting prompt assistance in support of the Administration and Finance Division. Self-motivated and takes initiative to manage the office and projects.

Excellent written and oral communication required. Experience in proofing and editing documents. Knowledge of accounting terminology, principles, and financial reporting. Ability to independently research, collect, organize and analyze information and independently produce accurate, complex reports, correspondence, tables, slide presentations, charts and spreadsheets. Thorough knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment. Excellent computer skills and knowledge of software technology generally applicable to accounting and budgeting; Access, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of Banner is desirable.

Associate degree from an accredited institution required. Bachelor's degree preferred.

Ability to work independently to complete difficult or complex assignments with high degree of accuracy and professionalism. Ability to prepare financial reports in a clear and professional manner. Must be able to understand, interpret, explain, and apply pertinent university policies and procedures clearly and accurately. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully within a diverse work environment. Must be able to handle situations with diplomacy and tact, and to maintain pleasant, polite and effective working relationships within the department, with students and all members of the university community. Ensures confidentiality and security of all information resources.

Requires the ability to maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the community. Must adhere to University’s core values: People-Centered, Community, Integrity, Visionary, and Connections, per the MSU Texas Values Journey. Personal cell phone usage may be required to complete position duties, including multi-function authentication requirements. Regular reliable attendance is required.

This position is designated as security sensitive (Mod) and requires a criminal background check. Position is designated as a Responsible Employee as outlined by Title IX. May serve as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.