Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant

We have an exciting opportunity for an Administrative Assistant at UL Research Institutes, based in our Columbia, Maryland office.

The Administrative Assistant provides administrative and financial support to ensure efficient operation of FSRI's finance and research support activities. The Administrative Assistant handles a variety of tasks, including processing expenses, purchasing activities, organizing financial records, assisting with invoice and supplier tasks, and preparing budget-related documentation.

Build a safer, more secure, and sustainable future with us. Join us and work with our Fire Safety teams who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.

As the Administrative Assistant, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Provide a wide range of administrative and financial support for FSRI research, communication, education and leadership teams.
• Process and reconcile expense reports and reimbursements and purchasing activities including purchase orders and capital requests.
• Assist in preparing financial documents, summaries, reports, and presentations.
• Organize and maintain financial files—including invoices, purchase orders, contracts, and budget documents—and liaise with the legal team to ensure contract terms are acceptable.
• Monitor expenditures against approved budgets and prepare regular variance reports for leadership.
• Assist with project cost estimates, financial summaries, and contract renewal documentation as directed.
• Maintain accurate and complete financial files and documentation.
• Support budgeting process by preparing data, charts, graphs, and supporting materials.
• Perform other duties as directed.

What you'll experience working at UL Research Institutes: We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.

• People: Our people make us special. You'll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today's global challenges require.
• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what's on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You'll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.
• Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.
• Values: Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.
• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.

What makes you a great fit:

• Strong analytical and numerical aptitude with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrated understanding of basic accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting principles.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other office software.
• Discretion and ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Collaborative attitude and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Higher Secondary Education (High School Diploma) or equivalent. Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field is preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience ideally in a finance or accounting role.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, advanced skills in SharePoint, Excel and PowerPoint are preferred.
• Experience with Workday financial management system is a plus.

Salary Range: $45,980.00-$63,222.50

Pay Type: Hourly