The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine seeks a motivated early-career professional to join its Finance & Administration team as a Financial Analysis & Business Operations Specialist. Reporting directly to the Director of Finance & Administration, this role is an opportunity to build a broad foundation in academic medical finance and administration while contributing meaningfully to a dynamic, high-performing department. The Specialist will manage day-to-day business operations support finance, data, and payroll functions to across a diverse funding portfolio. Over the last five years, the department has nearly tripled in size and budget. That growth has driven significant demand for data, financial analysis, and business processing capacity. Our Finance & Administration is focused on building and implementing systems that can support the scale and complexity of a larger academic department. The Specialist will play a hands-on role in that effort, managing day-to-day operations across financial reporting, data collection and analysis, and business process documentation. This role is well suited to a detail-oriented, process-minded professional who is eager to grow in a collaborative environment. The department is committed to excellence and innovation in clinical practice, science, and neurosurgical education. We seek team members who align with and demonstrate our shared values:

• Patients First, together!
• Always Do the Right Thing
• Leave It Better Than You Found It
• Drive at Mastery

SCOPE OF ROLE

Applies intermediate-level knowledge, concepts, principles, and skills across a combination of finance, research administration, payroll, purchasing, and business operations functions. Decision-making occurs within general guidelines and requires significant interpretation. The supervisor defines work guided by goals and objectives and assists with unusual situations. Solutions require considerable analysis and evaluation of alternatives. The Specialist independently anticipates needs and requirements to resolve non-routine matters, and supports the development and documentation of policies, procedures, and internal controls that underpin departmental operations.

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, 16 paid holidays, 3 personal leave days, 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

Financial Analysis & Budget Support

• Maintain financial and budget spreadsheets; download, compile, categorize, and manipulate departmental financial data to support accurate and timely reporting.
• Prepare and distribute financial reports, budget-versus-actual variance analyses, and financial summaries for department leadership.
• Assist with basic financial and budget forecasting across fund types including state funds, revolving funds, grants and contracts, and discretionary accounts.
• Review assigned financial accounts and expenditures to identify trends, anomalies, and year-end projection data.
• Maintain budget archives and financial data files to support ongoing reporting needs. Data Collection & Reporting
• Collect, organize, and maintain operational data to support management reporting and decision-making.
• Produce ad hoc reports, summaries, and data visualizations as requested by department leadership.
• Assist with responses to internal and external data requests from university administration and sponsoring agencies. Payroll & Effort Reporting
• Facilitate department payroll activities including analysis of commitment accounting data, effort logs, payroll adjustments, cost-sharing commitments, and timesheet compliance.
• Perform payroll reconciliation audits to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Support salary allocation tracking and coordinate with the Central Payroll Office as needed. Purchasing & Expense Management
• Maintain purchasing records and serve as a reviewer or approver of procurement transactions; ensure cardholders maintain compliance with university purchasing policies and procedures.
• Manage the department's travel and business expense reporting process, including review of expense reports for policy compliance, accurate coding, and timely submission.
• Coordinate with cardholders and staff to resolve coding discrepancies and documentation deficiencies. Process & Policy Documentation
• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for business operations functions within the department.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow efficiency and recommend process enhancements to the Director of Finance & Administration.
• Ensure departmental practices are aligned with university policy; communicate procedural standards to relevant staff.
• Contribute to the department's culture of continuous improvement by proactively flagging compliance gaps and operational risks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or a related field required.

Experience:

Three (3) years of business-related experience required, with at least one (1) year of experience in at least two of the following areas: finance, accounting, payroll, research administration, purchasing, or human resources. Experience in an academic medical center, university, or health system setting preferred.

Certification/Licensure:

Not required. CPA, CMA, CFM, or CIA a plus.

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 & ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of financial analysis, budget management, and accounting principles.
• Familiarity with research administration and sponsored programs compliance preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Office 365 applications; experience with data reporting tools (e.g., Power BI) a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, process discipline, and policy compliance.
• Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

HIRING RANGE

$68,000 - $79,000 per year / Commensurate with education and experience UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification. If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request . You may also contact leave_and_accom@umaryland.edu . Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.