Financial Program Assistant

Job Description Summary Organization's Summary Statement: The School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences (SANS), University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), seeks applications and nominations for the position of Financial Program Assistant in the Office of International Programs (OIP). This is a twelve-month, grant-funded staff position. This position is critical in providing financial support to the 1890 Universities Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense (CEGFSD), the USDA National Institute of Agriculture’s NextGen project, and other related projects. The successful candidate will work as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team overseeing several projects led by the OIP at UMES. University Information: The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is the 1890 Land-Grant University in Maryland, located in a rural setting on the Delmarva Peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. The major metropolitan areas of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, and Philadelphia, PA, are within easy travel distance. Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 Benefits: The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, as a University System of Maryland institution and a Maryland State agency, provides a comprehensive benefits package to all regular faculty and staff. The Office of Employee Benefits provides consultative services and assistance with benefits planning, enrollment, and changes. Eligible employees may participate in a variety of benefit plans including: • Health insurance, including multiple medical plan options for employees and dependents offered through the State of Maryland Employee Benefits Division. • Prescription drug, dental, and flexible spending accounts, and vision coverage. • Retirement plans: mandatory enrollment in a state pension system or an Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA, Supplemental Retirement Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP- Nationwide) with $600 annual state match, Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance). • Tuition remission benefits for eligible employees and, subject to USM policies, spouses and dependents at University System of Maryland institutions. • Exempt positions start at 22 days annual per year, sick leave 15 days per year, personal leave 3 days per year), and paid holidays. • Employee wellness and support resources and access to the State of Maryland wellness programs. Responsibilities: The primary duty of the Financial Program Assistant is to provide financial support to the OIP-led programs. Specific responsibilities will include: • Perform financial oversight for CEGFSD, NextGen, and related programs. • Manage OIP-led programs’ financial operations, including execution of the subaward agreements. • Work closely with SANS Fiscal Affairs Office, UMES Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPR), partner institutions’ sponsored programs office, and other relevant university departments. • Create purchase orders and execute professional service providers’ agreements. • Process travel reimbursements and monitor outstanding checks monthly. • Assist students, faculty members, researchers, and third parties in resolving issues related to grant accounts. • Maintain an inventory of commonly used forms related to research and university accounts. • Keep a good record of financial instruments and adhere to the best management practices of the data management plan. • Generate financial reports of the OIP-led programs’ accounts and subawards. • Perform accurate filing of accounts payable reports. • Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications (Preference): • B.A. degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related discipline • Two years of relevant work experience. • Knowledge of Workday Enterprise • Experience working with research grants • Broad knowledge of information technology and complex software • Knowledge and experience with Land-Grant Universities Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (Preference): • Knowledge of general accounting practices • Knowledge and ability to plan and develop organizational budgets • Skills in maintaining and managing multiple accounting records • Computer skills, including the Microsoft Office package • Strong oral and written communication skills. • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member. • Ability to take on new responsibilities and work effectively in an environment of change and ambiguity. Demonstrated ability to interact and work effectively with external constituencies and stakeholders, including public and private organizations. • Problem-solving skills and meeting deadlines. Physical Demands: • May require extended periods of standing, bending, stooping, sitting at desk. • May require lifting. • Requires communication with a variety of constituents externally and internally. • Requires operation of a variety of office equipment. Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience: One (1) year of professional secretarial, clerical, or administrative experience. Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: Knowledge of general office procedures, practices, and administrative support functions. Knowledge of professional business etiquette, including phone, email, and in-person communication protocols. Skill in organizing and prioritizing multiple tasks to meet deadlines in a fast-paced office environment. Skill in written and verbal communication to prepare reports, correspondence, and interact with internal and external stakeholders. Skill in scheduling meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion. Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external contacts. Additional Job Details Required Application Materials: Qualified applicants should submit a resume and the names of three current professional references (current or past supervisor) including e-mail address, and telephone number (current supervisor will not be contacted without the candidate's prior consent). All applicants must apply using the new online application system. Please visit to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship. Best Consideration Date: N/A Posting Close Date: N/A Open Until Filled: Yes Department UMES-AGNS-Agriculture/Operations Worker Sub-Type Staff Regular Salary Range $55,000 - $65,000 EEO Statement UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship. Diversity Statement The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an equal access, equal opportunity institution fully committed to diversity in education and employment. All students, employees, and the campus community at UMES are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to receive an equitable experience in an inclusive, welcoming environment of openness and appreciation. Title IX Statement It is the policy of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) based on sex in the University's educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discriminations or harassment.