Financial Operations Specialist Digital Learning UTK

The Finance & Operations Coordinator serves as an operational partner within Digital Learnings Finance & Administration team. The position is responsible for the successful execution of accounts payable travel procurement contracts compliance and related financial operations. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Finance & Administration team and the university the position exercises sound judgment proactively advances work and ensures financial processes are completed accurately timely and in accordance with

university policy. The individual that gravitates toward this role will continuously strengthen Finance & Administration operations by identifying recurring issues translating experience into improved processes and enhancing resources that enable others to be successful.

Financial Operations:

Serves as the operational owner for Digital Learnings financial transaction processes ensuring financial activities are executed accurately efficiently and in accordance with university policy. Exercises sound professional judgment to identify issues resolve routine matters independently and proactively advance work to completion.

Responsibilities:

• Process invoices journal entries purchase orders cash deposits and related financial transactions accurately and in compliance with university policy.

• Maintain the integrity of vendor asset and financial records by ensuring transactions are complete appropriately documented and accurately coded.

• Reconcile financial records identify discrepancies investigate root causes and recommend appropriate corrective action.

• Monitor financial workflows and proactively follow up on outstanding approvals documentation or actions necessary to prevent delays.

• Recognize process inefficiencies and recommend practical improvements that strengthen internal controls and improve customer service.

• Serve as a trusted operational resource for Finance & Administration by anticipating needs rather than simply responding to requests.

Travel Administration:

Serves as Digital Learnings subject matter expert for university travel policies and procedures partnering with travelers and campus stakeholders to facilitate compliant efficient travel while minimizing institutional risk.

Responsibilities:

• Guide employees through travel planning policy interpretation and reimbursement requirements.

• Review travel requests and expense reports for policy compliance accuracy and completeness.

• Identify potential compliance concerns before expenses are incurred and work collaboratively to resolve them.

• Maintain current knowledge of university travel policies and communicate updates to departmental staff.

• Identify trends in travel errors exceptions or workflow challenges and recommend improvements that reduce risk and improve the traveler experience.

Relationship Management & Customer Service:

Builds productive working relationships with university partners vendors faculty staff and colleagues through responsive communication professional judgment and collaborative problem solving.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors and internal customers regarding financial operations.

• Communicate proactively regarding outstanding approvals payment status contracts and workflow issues.

• Resolve routine issues independently while recognizing when leadership engagement is appropriate.

• Represent Digital Learning professionally in interactions with university departments and external partners.

• Deliver exceptional customer service while balancing responsiveness with institutional policy and compliance requirements.

Compliance & Operational Stewardship

• Maintain documentation that meets audit and university requirements.

• Monitor financial workflows to ensure transactions remain compliant throughout the process.

• Identify potential compliance risks and take appropriate action before issues escalate.

• Support audits by maintaining organized complete and readily accessible documentation.

• Recommend improvements that strengthen internal controls and operational effectiveness.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Continuously evaluate processes for opportunities to improve efficiency customer service compliance and operational effectiveness.

• Participate in implementation of new systems technologies and university initiatives.

• Demonstrate curiosity and coachability by applying lessons learned to future work and contributing ideas that strengthen Finance & Administration operations.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Associates degree with an equivalent combination of education and 2-3 years of progressively responsible experience.

OR

Bachelors degree in business administration accounting finance public administration or a related field

Experience:

• Experience interpreting and applying policies procedures and internal controls while exercising sound professional judgment.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a customer-focused environment requiring accuracy responsiveness and attention to detail.
• Experience collaborating across departments to resolve issues improve processes and deliver high-quality operational support.

• Experience using enterprise financial systems and Microsoft Office applications particularly Excel.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of generally accepted business and financial practices including accounts payable procurement travel contract administration and financial recordkeeping.

• Knowledge of university policies procedures and financial systems or the ability to quickly develop subject matter expertise.

• Knowledge of internal controls and the importance of maintaining accurate financial records and supporting documentation.

• Knowledge of customer service principles and professional communication practices.

Skills:

• Professional Judgment

• Evaluates information policies and circumstances to make sound decisions within established authority.

• Distinguishes between issues that can be resolved independently and those requiring consultation or escalation.

• Considers downstream operational impacts when making decisions.

Financial Operation Abilities:

• Accurately processes a high volume of financial transactions while maintaining strong attention to detail.

• Identifies discrepancies investigates issues and recommends appropriate solutions.

• Balances accuracy timeliness and customer service in a dynamic environment.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Bachelors degree in business administration accounting finance public administration or a related field

Experience:

• Experience in higher education government or another complex policy-driven organization.

• Experience with accounts payable procurement travel administration contract administration or financial operations.

• Experience serving as a subject matter expert for operational processes.

• Experience identifying opportunities for process improvement and implementing operational enhancements.

• Experience developing or refining written procedures reference materials or training resources.

• Experience with Oracles DASH or similar enterprise financial systems.

Relationship Management:

• Builds productive working relationships with colleagues vendors and university partners.

• Communicates clearly and professionally with individuals possessing varying levels of financial knowledge.

• Approaches customer service with professionalism while maintaining policy compliance.

Continuous Improvement

• Recognizes recurring issues and translates experience into process improvements.

• Identifies opportunities to improve operational efficiency compliance and the customer experience.

• Adapts readily to changing priorities technology and university processes.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville TN

• On-site with the potential for a hybrid work arrangement following the successful completion of training and or probationary period

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR 06 non-exempt

• Anticipated hiring range: $25-$29 per hour depending on experience

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structurehere

• Find more information on UT Benefitshere

Application Instructions

To express interest please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division

Digital Learning at UT is a unit charged with advancing UTs commitment to discovery creativity learning and engagement specifically for online learners. Using advanced and innovative technologies Digital Learning at UT will provide scalable solutions that enhance the online learning experience and reduce barriers to student access and success providing a tremendous impact to online learners across the state and the nation. At Digital Learning we want to be bold and impactful transforming the future of online education through innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Join our dynamic and inclusive Digital Learning team where we take pride in teamwork excellence and a shared commitment to shaping the future through education and innovation.

Additional Information on all postings provided by UTK