Financial Operations Specialist (On-Site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is Step 1: $29.40.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: The position is hybrid eligible with up to 3 days per week required onsite.

These union positions are represented by the bargaining unit Clerical & Allied Services - CX Teamsters Local 2010.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around September 3rd, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Reporting to Student Billing Supervisor, the Financial Operations Specialist applies advanced knowledge of student financial services, including applicable federal and state regulations, UC and campus policies, to support undergraduate and graduate student accounts. Under the general supervision of the Financial Services Supervisor, the Financial Services Analyst serves as a key member of the Student Billing Services team, providing financial and analytical support related to student account maintenance, Title IV and state funding, student refunds, and financial journal preparation and collections. The position is responsible for ensuring student accounts are accurate, timely reconciliation of financial data, and resolution of discrepancies in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements. The analyst is responsible for responding to student inquiries and explaining account activity clearly and professionally via email, in person, by phone, or through case management systems such as ServiceNow and Salesforce. This role requires effective collaboration with campus partners, including the Students First Center, Financial Aid, and the Office of the Registrar, to ensure accurate and student-centered service. The incumbent must be able to manage changing priorities, respond to urgent needs, and balance multiple responsibilities in a high-volume environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Applies professional financial and accounting principles, as well as institutional, system-wide, federal, and state policies, to manage student account activity for undergraduate and graduate students. Responsibilities include overseeing and posting student billing charges, adjustments, payments, holds, and refunds. Prepares monthly reconciliations by reviewing departmental data to ensure accuracy and completeness. Prepares journal entries for the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers and analyzes financial data to identify discrepancies and trends. Runs reports in Cognos and Oracle to support data analysis and informs decision-making through written and verbal communication of results.
• Administers the University's student account collections process, including placing holds, issuing notices, and coordinating with external collection agencies. Prepares write-offs, referral files, and resolves collection-related issues. Serves as a liaison with external agencies and ensures compliance with applicable policies.
• Provides excellent service to students in person, over the phone, and by email. Reviews and explains account activity, ensuring that students understand their charges, payments, and financial aid disbursements. Serves as a resource to departments and students for resolving financial discrepancies. Supports the implementation of customer service standards and ensures consistency across teams.
• Works in ticketing systems such as ServiceNow and Salesforce to respond to student inquiries, collaborating closely with the Students First Center, Financial Aid, and the Registrar to ensure timely and accurate resolution.
• Applies internal and external policies to address financial issues such as tax implications, cash recovery, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance. Documents financial procedures, contributes to effective team operations, and may assist in training staff to support a collaborative and informed work environment.
• Assesses and recommends improvements to financial processes to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory and audit requirements.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in related area.

AND

• 1 year of directly related, progressively responsible experience.

OR

• 5 years equivalent experience/ training.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Working knowledge of financial processes, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of financial data management and reporting systems, such as Banner and Oracle.
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and common desktop/web applications.
• Strong interpersonal skills, analytical skills, service orientation, active listening, critical thinking, attention to detail, ability to multitask in a high volume environment, organizational skills, effective verbal and written communication skills, sound judgment, and decision making.
• Ability to function effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Intermediate knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources.
• Skills to provide coaching and mentoring to support staff. (Preferred)
• Bilingual in Spanish. (Preferred)

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/