International Finance Specialist

The International Finance Specialist works with colleagues in the International Operations (IO) division to provide international financial services to UMB and other constituent institutions in the University System of Maryland. The IO division administers the Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) mechanism, which is utilized to engage and pay vendors, research collaborators, and other partners outside the United States on behalf of UMB and other universities, in compliance with international laws and business customs.

The Specialist prepares and verifies the accuracy of MGIC payment and receipt documentation; conducts Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions; monitors and facilitates MGIC funding flows through multiple financial systems; supports compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); and supports the overall operations of IO's finance services and its support to its customers.

Benefits: Exempt Regular

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Primary Duties:

Payment Processing: 40% LOE

• Review payment requests and documentation from customers. Advise customers on missing or incomplete elements, and escalate potential tax, currency, and/or banking issues to IO Finance Manager.
• Prepare MGIC Payment and Receipt Vouchers for management review and approval, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and conformance with MGIC policies and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Perform compliance checks and additional due diligence on MGIC payees and prepare memos to the file regarding positive matches.
• Perform daily financial reviews and reconciliations in Quickbooks.
• Communicate with MGIC customers, vendors and payees regarding documentation requirements, payment status, and payment confirmations.

Accounts Receivable / Payable: 30% LOE

• Monitor and track outstanding MGIC invoices and follow up with clients as needed to resolve processing delays.
• Prepare Customer Billing System invoices for IO/MGIC services provided to other USM institutions.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and well organized MGIC payment records and vendor files for the IO division, in compliance with UMB data security policies and MGIC procedures.

Operational Support and Team Effectiveness: 30% LOE

• Support business process improvements, such as streamlining billing workflows, vendor payment tracking, and recording of prepayments and advances in accordance with GAAP/IFRS.
• Prepare reports, spreadsheets, graphs, charts, and related documents to convey financial transactions.
• Support preparation for financial reviews and audits, and customer or stakeholder requests for transaction records.
• Research U.S. tax laws and requirements for specific MGIC transactions and assist with preparing annual tax filings.
• Help create, improve, and update guidance and resources for IO's customers, and standard operating procedures for the IO division.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of experience in finance or accounting relevant to above duties, preferably in a non-profit organization or university.
• Experience in international development or international business contexts highly desirable.

Other:

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of position requirements.
• Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams/SharePoint).
• Proficiency with QuickBooks accounting software highly desirable.
• Excellent organizational skills, accuracy of data entry and recordkeeping, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and with cross-functional teams.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to communicate effectively and build constructive working relationships in a diverse, international working environment.
• Exceptional communication in English. Proficiency in another language highly desirable.

Hiring Range: $60,000 - $70,000, commensurate with education and experience