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Financial Associate: Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development - UTK
full-timeKnoxville

Summary

Location

Knoxville

Type

full-time

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About this role

The Financial Associate serves as one of two key financial professionals supporting a high-volume, complex research administration environment within the Division of Research Administration Shared Administrative Services (DRA-SAS) team in the Office of Research, Innovation, & Economic Development (ORIED) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT). Reporting to the DRA-SAS administrative team lead and ultimately to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Administration (AVCRA), this position independently carries responsibility for financial activities that directly impact the University’s research enterprise and financial stewardship.

 

The incumbent provides independent, day-to-day financial services to the Knoxville campus research community for post-award functions, including the billing, drawdown, and collection of sponsored projects totaling approximately $385M in annual expenditures. This role exercises sound judgment in applying policies and procedures, resolves routine and non-routine issues, and ensures the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of financial transactions that affect compliance, cash flow, and institutional reporting.

 

DRA-SAS operates under a shared services model, and this position plays a critical role in ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery across the division. The Financial Associate works with a high degree of autonomy while collaborating closely with peers and leadership to adapt support in response to evolving operational needs and priorities. Team members are expected to contribute in a manner that is positive, equitable, flexible, and responsive to the broader mission of ORIED and the University.

This position works in person at ORIED’s Cherokee Mills (CM) location. 


The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. 

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.  

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone. 

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.  

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community! 

Other facts

Tech stack
Financial Services,Research Administration,Compliance,Financial Stewardship,Problem Solving,Policy Application,Collaboration,Judgment,Service Delivery,Autonomy,Operational Needs,Teamwork,Communication,Attention to Detail,Integrity,Flexibility

About University of Tennessee

A dynamic, innovative, collaborative partner in shaping graduate education and a dedicated advocate for attracting and developing a diverse student population.

Team size: 11-50 employees
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Higher Education

What you'll do

  • The Financial Associate provides independent financial services for post-award functions related to sponsored projects, ensuring accuracy and compliance. This role involves managing financial activities that impact the university's research enterprise and financial stewardship.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Financial Associate: Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development - UTK do at University of Tennessee?

As a Financial Associate: Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development - UTK at University of Tennessee, you will: the Financial Associate provides independent financial services for post-award functions related to sponsored projects, ensuring accuracy and compliance. This role involves managing financial activities that impact the university's research enterprise and financial stewardship..

Why join University of Tennessee as a Financial Associate: Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development - UTK?

University of Tennessee is a leading Higher Education company.

Is the Financial Associate: Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development - UTK position at University of Tennessee remote?

The Financial Associate: Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development - UTK position at University of Tennessee is based in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

How do I apply for the Financial Associate: Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development - UTK position at University of Tennessee?

You can apply for the Financial Associate: Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development - UTK position at University of Tennessee directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about University of Tennessee on their website.