About The Role

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, university, and sponsor regulations governing multiple funding sources, including sponsored research, state appropriations, private foundations, and indirect cost recoveries.
Strong analytical, quantitative, and financial modeling skills, including the ability to develop long-term financial projections for complex, multi-million-dollar budgets.
Ability to interpret financial data and communicate complex information clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences.
Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize work, manage multiple competing deadlines, and resolve complex financial issues.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to establish collaborative working relationships with faculty, researchers, administrators, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills.

Experience

Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, budgeting, finance, grants management, or research administration.
Experience managing multiple funding sources and preparing complex financial analyses.
Experience using enterprise financial systems or ERP platforms.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling, pivot tables, and data analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's or advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related discipline.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of Commonwealth of Virginia financial policies and higher education accounting practices.
Knowledge of Workday Financials and Workday HCM.
Knowledge of Cayuse or comparable electronic research administration systems.

Preferred Experience

Significant financial management experience in higher education or research administration.
Experience with sponsored research administration, including both pre-award and post-award activities.
Experience managing private, philanthropic, or foundation funds.
Experience supervising professional staff.
Experience leading process improvement or operational efficiency initiatives.

Compensation Range: Starting at $75,000 commensurate with experience, skills, and internal equity.

Conditions of Employment

Occasional work beyond normal business hours may be required to meet operational deadlines and business needs.
Continued professional development is expected to maintain current knowledge of applicable accounting standards, sponsor regulations, university policies, and industry best practices.

Essential Duties

Budget Management and Financial Analysis (50%)

Manage financial operations for assigned academic sections, research centers, and programs.
Monitor, reconcile, and forecast revenues, expenditures, commitments, and available balances across all funding sources.
Prepare financial analyses, projections, and reports that support strategic planning and operational decision-making.
Review and prepare accounting adjustments, payroll reallocations, journal entries, and labor distribution changes.
Coordinate effort certification activities and ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.
Meet regularly with faculty and principal investigators to review financial performance, grant expenditures, and long-term funding strategies.
Identify financial risks and recommend corrective actions to ensure responsible stewardship of institutional resources.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, university, and sponsor regulations.

Budget Development and Research Administration (20%)

Develop annual operating budgets in collaboration with section chairs and center directors.
Assist leadership in developing multi-year financial plans that support strategic priorities and long-term sustainability.
Provide comprehensive pre-award support, including proposal budget development, personnel planning, cost sharing, and sponsor compliance.
Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Programs throughout proposal development, submission, award acceptance, and post-award administration.
Develop and review service center rates and cost recovery models in consultation with Finance leadership.
Coordinate funding for graduate student stipends, tuition, and undergraduate student employment.

Financial Operations and Compliance (20%)

Review and approve purchasing, accounts payable transactions, expense reimbursements, procurement requests, and financial documentation.
Maintain accurate financial records and ensure timely reconciliation of all assigned funding sources.
Serve as the primary financial resource for assigned departments regarding university policies, sponsor regulations, and financial procedures.
Identify opportunities to improve internal controls, business processes, and financial reporting.
Collaborate with Finance colleagues to standardize processes, share best practices, and provide cross-functional support.
Perform additional duties that support the operational and strategic needs of assigned units.

Leadership, Supervision, and Organizational Effectiveness (10%)

Supervise, mentor, train, and evaluate assigned financial staff.
Establish clear performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching and professional development.
Conduct performance evaluations in accordance with university policies and established timelines.
Facilitate onboarding and cross-training of new financial personnel.
Promote consistent application of financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Lead or participate in process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, customer service, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
Serve as a collaborative leader who fosters teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service.

Additional Job Description

Job Profile

JP0182 - Financial Specialist II - Exempt - Salary - S11

Qualifications

Compensation Grade

S11

Recruiting Start Date

2026-07-07

Position Restrictions

Continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https:// www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Probationary Period Notice: Individuals selected for full-time staff positions will be required to complete a twelve (12) month probationary period in accordance with university policy.

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.