Financial Specialist, School of Medicine, Dean's Office, Department of Finance

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. All full-time university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off, 12 paid holidays, and more. Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/

The Financial Specialist performs entry-level professional work requiring an in-depth knowledge of one or more specialized functional areas which may include finance, accounting, procurement, budget, or treasury. Their work involves initiating and maintaining records and files pertinent to the receipt and disbursement of authorized funds; supplying accounting information and reports to a supervisor and/or executive management team; providing monthly reports and information for all accounts concerning allowed expenditures, commitments and balances; preparing and/or reviewing procurement, travel, petty cash, deposits, and other fiscal documents; monitoring budgets to determine trends or needs for adjustment. They work under general supervision, making basic decisions independently and referring unprecedented issues to an upper-level manager. They work as a member of the SOM Dean’s Business Operations Shared Services team, reporting directly to the Director of Business of Operations.

Core Responsibilities:

(20%): Fiscal Transactions and Compliance – Execute and oversee fiscal transactions while maintaining expertise in procurement, travel, reimbursements, Banner Finance, and other fiscal areas.
(20%): Financial Reconciliation and Reporting – Perform monthly reconciliations for Banner indexes, including payroll, and review findings with appropriate Directors for approval. Manage department-specific fiscal duties and prepare both regular and ad hoc reports on expenditures and future projections.
(15%): Budget Monitoring and Preparation – Assist with budget development, including revenue projections and expense allocations. Determine and execute appropriate budget entries to ensure adequate funding for operations.
(20%): Customer Service and Fiscal Support – Serve as the primary point of contact for faculty and staff regarding fiscal transactions, providing proactive customer service and support. Train and assist departments with fiscal processes and best practices.
(20%): Collaboration and Engagement – Attend meetings to foster collaboration and enhance fiscal support across all managed units and the school. Participate in business unit or individual funding meetings to support department faculty, students, and grant administrators in managing financial aspects of research and administration.
(5%): Demonstrate a commitment to risk assessment (considering cost, benefit, and impact) and risk management.

Minimum Hiring Standards:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Outstanding work ethic and excellent attendance record.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with a team.
• Financial education or 1 year experience in a fiscal role.
• Experience in a customer service or student interfacing role.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the proven ability to multitask, troubleshoot and prioritize tasks.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Accounting or Finance related area is preferred.
• Experiences using financial recordkeeping and/or procurement software systems such as Banner Finance or VCU Real Source and VCU’s travel policies.
• One to three years in administrative support role preferably with financial experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Additional Information:

ORP Eligible: - NO
Hours / weeks - 40 hours weekly
Title Details: Financial Specialist
University Title: Financial Specialist, FS 1
University Code: FS, (18211N)
University Job Family: Financial Services

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Please note that if you are employed as a university employee working in any of the health system's facilities, you will need to follow VCU Health System policies, which will include but will not be limited to, vaccination requirements.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Demetria Patterson
Demetria.Patterson1@vcuhealth.org