Financial Associate: College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies - UTK

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications for a Financial Associate II to join the Finance, Administration, and Operations team of one of the university’s fastest-growing and most innovative colleges. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to CECS’s continued growth and success while supporting emerging academic programs, innovative initiatives, and collaborative partnerships.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, Administration, and Operations (DFAO), the Financial Associate II serves as a key financial and operational resource for the college, providing comprehensive support across financial management, procurement, technology, grants, and administrative operations. Working with a high degree of independence, this position manages day-to-day financial activities, including procurement, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger reconciliation, budget and expense tracking, grant expenditure tracking, and financial reporting while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strong financial stewardship.

The Financial Associate II also coordinates college-wide technology procurement and resource management, partnering with the CECS IT Technician to support equipment inventory, software licensing, and asset management. The position maintains accurate financial, equipment, inventory, and space records and provides timely information and reporting to support resource allocation, operational planning, and informed decision-making.

As a member of a highly collaborative team, the Financial Associate II provides backup support for human resources and other operational functions, including payroll processing, onboarding activities, and related administrative needs to ensure continuity of college operations.

The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, evolving, and innovative environment and bring a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to their work. CECS is seeking someone who can work independently, anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, analyze financial information, exercise sound judgment, maintain the highest level of confidentiality, solve problems, and identify opportunities to improve processes and efficiency. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the success of a rapidly growing college while delivering the accurate, responsive, and efficient financial and operational services that help CECS advance its mission and priorities.

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!