Graduate Assistant- Finance & Operations

Occupational Summary:

The Graduate Assistant - Finance & Operations provides analytical and operational support to the university's Finance Division, including Accounting, Student Accounts, and related operational functions. This role supports general ledger activities, account reconciliations, budget reporting, process documentation, and workflow improvements.

The position is designed to provide meaningful professional experience in higher education financial management while contributing to process efficiency, data integrity, and operational excellence within the division. Graduate Assistants must maintain a 20-hour work week.

Stewardship Statement:

This position is responsible for cultivating and maintaining the institutions Catholic identity and its mission to empower graduates to transform society. As a member of the Newman community, the staff member will join with the institutions sponsors, the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC Sisters), to witness Gods love in Mission to empower others, foster oneness, celebrate life, form right relationships, and walk as compassionate companions.

Additionally, this position contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other faiths, cultures, or backgrounds.

Work Performed:

General Ledger & Accounting Support

• Assist with general ledger account analysis and journal entry preparation.
• Support monthly and year-end reconciliation processes.
• Assist in reviewing and maintaining chart of accounts integrity.
• Research and resolve discrepancies in financial data.

Budget & Financial Reporting

• Assist in preparation of internal budget reports and financial summaries.
• Support variance analysis and data gathering for management reporting.
• Compile and organize financial data for decision-making purposes.

Process Improvement & Automation

• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.
• Assist with development of automation tools (Excel, reporting templates, system workflows).
• Support documentation of financial processes and internal controls.
• Help develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Student Accounts & Operational Support

• Provide support for student account reconciliations and reporting as needed.
• Assist with inbox triage and communication management for finance-related inquiries.
• Support cross-functional finance and operational projects as assigned.

Special Projects

• Participate in special assignments and division-wide initiatives.
• Conduct research and analysis to support financial and operational improvements.

General

• Complete all University-required trainings, including FERPA and Title IX.
• Contribute to the overall success of the offices of Finance, Human Resources, IT, and Facilities.

Required Qualifications/Education/Experience/Skills/Training:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Must be accepted and enrolled full time (at least six (6) credit hours per semester) in a Master's degree program during the academic year (fall and spring semester) preferably Business Administration, Data Science, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis preferred).
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of financial information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds as needed.

Compensation:

• This is a 12-month position with a contract that requires annual renewal.
• Monthly stipend of $250.00 throughout the duration of the waiver, ceasing upon completion of the degree.
• University housing is not provided for Graduate Assistants; however, they may coordinate with the Director of Residence Life to explore availability if housing is not at full capacity.
• Graduate Assistants will be provided with the 120-day meal plan option, which may be subject to tax implications. Meals are available only when the dining hall is open for traditional students.
• Eligible for fall, spring, and summer tuition waiver. The student is responsible for payment of books, general fees, parking, and living expenses.

Additional Information:

• Graduate Assistant for Finance & Operations may not hold other full-time employment. Other part-time employment in or outside the University must receive prior approval from the Controller.
• Tuition remission scholarships are dependent upon enrollment in the course(s) by regular, tuition-paying students. The university reserves the right to move classes from face-to-face to online modality to ensure a reasonable minimum class size is met, at the sole discretion of the university.
• Tuition remission scholarships do not guarantee that any course will be available in any given modality, depending upon enrollment. If space is limited in any class, persons using any tuition benefit scholarships may be enrolled in the order in which they registered for the class.
• As a condition for retention in the role, the Graduate Assistant must remain in good academic standing, which is a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
• A criminal background check will be performed prior to employment offer.

About Newman University:

Founded in 1933, Newman University is a liberal arts institution grounded in Catholic values and traditions, yet is respectful of all faiths. At Newman, youll find people, programs, organizations, and activities designed to educate the mind and inspire the spirit. Our low instructor-to-student ratio and collaborative faculty contribute to a positive learning environment. We are a sponsored ministry of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, US Region. We invite you to join us in our work of empowering our graduates to transform society!

Newman Universitys Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Newman University participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with Form I-9 information to confirm that new employees are authorized to work in the U.S. US Immigration law protects legally-authorized workers from discrimination based on their citizenship status and national origin.

Newman University is committed to hiring faculty and staff members that reflect the diversity of our region and to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees, according to all applicable equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, directives, and regulations of federal, state, and local governing bodies and agencies. In keeping this commitment, it is the policy of Newman University to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, local human rights commission activity, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a qualified protected veteran.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Newman University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability in completing the application form or in the interview process. Please notify the Human Resources Office at (316) 942-4291, ext. 2202 or email hr@newmanu.edu in advance so necessary arrangements can be made.