Financial Coordinator

Department: Law Administration
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Target hiring range for this position will be between $51,350 - $65,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary:

As a member of the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law's Finance Team, the Financial Coordinator serves as the first point of contact for questions related to the University's financial systems, policies, and procedures. This position also provides critical support for the team's core functions, including financial reporting, budgeting, and quarterly forecasting. We are looking for someone who will demonstrate a commitment to providing quality customer service to Law School departments, as well as an interest in financial operations and accounting.

The Law School Finance Team is an incredibly efficient and collaborative team of 3 staff members. Our mission is to ensure that the Law School's financial resources are allocated to the highest strategic priorities. Though our team is small, we perform a critical function with a high impact to the school. Our team's role in overseeing the operating budget also provides a unique opportunity to engage with staff and faculty across the entire Law School.

Specific Responsibilities:

Operations

• Law School's primary point of contact for finance-related questions, including guidance on transaction processing and navigating the financial systems. Resolve inquiries related to interpretation of University financial policies and procedures and Law School financial reporting.
• Serve as a liaison between Law School employees and Central University departments, including Accounts Payable, Purchasing, Accounting Services, and Treasury Operations.
• Develop and present financial training materials to new and current Law School employees.
• Manages financial access for all Law School users, including leading and submitting an annual review of systems access to Central IT.

Accounting and Reporting

• Prepare monthly reconciliations for Finance department's ~$9M operating budget, including verifying all transactions and processing corrections or adjustments.
• Assist all other Law School departments and budget managers in preparing ongoing reconciliations of budget to actuals activity.
• Prepare and review year-end close journal entries to ensure accuracy of financial reporting.
• Assist Finance team with annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting process, preparing and distributing department summary spreadsheets for 70+ budget groupings, and supporting creation of resulting financial reporting.

Transactions

• Process revenue and expense transactions for multiple departments, as needed, while providing full time support for all Marketing department transactions.
• Process cash and check deposits for departments throughout Law School.
• Review transactions pending approval to validate purchases fit within departmental budgets, and to ensure compliance with University policy.

Program Support

• Perform other duties as needed, including organizing financial files and documentation, coordinating meetings, troubleshooting problems, etc.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as accounting, business administration, finance, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.

• 1 year financial, budgeting &/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis or other relevant experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in the use of spreadsheet, database and word processing software.

• Familiarity with financial reporting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in finance related field of study.
• Work and/or internship experience with budgeting, financial operations, and/or transaction processing.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Strong oral and written communication.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to manage workload efficiently and effectively within a dynamic environment.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to independently identify, research and solve problems.
• Positive attitude and initiative.
• Coachable, willing to learn and embrace continuous improvement.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.