Events Financial Operations Specialist

The Events Financial Operations Specialist manages the financial operations of the Advancement Events team, including a $1M+ annual budget. This role develops annual and long-range expenditure forecasts; monitors and analyzes budget performance; reconciles financial activity; ensures accurate transaction coding and documentation; and develops financial reporting and analysis to support planning and decision-making. The position maintains a strong working knowledge of University financial policies, protocols, and systems, and provides guidance to colleagues and divisional partners with varying levels of financial expertise.

Responsibilities

Manage the financial operations of the Advancement Events team, including a $1M+ annual budget; Develop annual and long-range expenditure forecasts; Monitor and analyze budget performance; Reconcile financial activity; Ensure accurate transaction coding and documentation; Develop financial reporting and analysis to support planning and decision-making; Provide guidance to colleagues and divisional partners with varying levels of financial expertise; Serve as a key liaison between Advancement Events, external vendors, and University business partners regarding event contracts and purchasing processes; Facilitate contract review and approval, identify and resolve issues, and coordinate vendor communication; Work with stakeholders to reduce processing delays and support successful event execution; Create and implement documentation to support and improve project management systems and operational workflows; Evaluate business processes; develop tools, templates, and resources; train and coach team members; recommend improvements that increase efficiency

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; Minimum 3 years of experience in a related field such as fundraising, banking, nonprofits, or customer service; Strong organizational and planning skills; Experience with data management, including data collection, entry, and accurate maintenance; Customer service experience with a strong service-minded philosophy; Excellent relationship-building skills, with tact, discretion, and diplomacy; Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Expertise in Microsoft and Google platforms, including Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Docs, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Proficient with audio/visual and presentation platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams or WebEx, PowerPoint, etc.); Ability to work independently with strong project/time management skills and attention to detail; Ability to apply tact and maintain confidentiality; Must be able and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends

Nice to have

Minimum two years' experience in finance and budget tracking; Some project management experience; Experience in a higher education or non-profit setting