East Tennessee State University
GEAR UP Financial Specialist
East Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Job Summary
The GEAR UP Financial Specialist supports the financial integrity and operational success of the GEAR UP federal grant by leading budgeting, reporting, and compliance functions for the program. This position develops and monitors annual grant budgets in partnership with the Program Director, manages day-to-day expenditures, and ensures all financial activity aligns with federal Uniform Guidance, district procedures, and university policies. This is a grant-funded position with a seven (7) year lifespan. The Financial Specialist maintains complete and auditable financial records, prepares reports for funders and internal stakeholders, and serves as the primary fiscal liaison to ETSU Finance, partner school districts, auditors, and external organizations. Working closely with GEAR UP staff, the Specialist provides guidance and training on purchasing, travel, and financial procedures to ensure appropriate and strategic use of grant funds. The position also assists with budget revisions, supports sustainability planning, and contributes to the effective implementation of GEAR UP initiatives across multiple schools and partner sites. As a key member of the GEAR UP team, the Financial Specialist helps safeguard program resources and strengthens the financial systems that enable GEAR UP to meet its goals for student success. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of the operation of a GEAR UP or similar type programs. Knowledge of guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education as stated in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations, OMB A-121, Uniform Guidance, Federal Register and the approved grant. Knowledge of established university policies, regulations, and services. Knowledge of administration and organization of secondary school systems. Strong knowledge of federal and state grant compliance regulations. Experience with budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting. Proficiency in accounting software, spreadsheets (Excel), and data systems. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to communicate effectively with program staff, district finance offices, and external auditors. Attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or accounting or related field. Three years of experience in grant management, grant compliance, public sector accounting, financial administration and/or performance reporting. Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree Compensation & Benefits
Job Family – Financial Associate 4 Market Range – 6 (Salary Schedules) For information on benefits please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/. Application Instructions
Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
Employment contingent on a satisfactory background check.
University Overview
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement. Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.
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The GEAR UP Financial Specialist supports the financial integrity and operational success of the GEAR UP federal grant by leading budgeting, reporting, and compliance functions for the program. This position develops and monitors annual grant budgets in partnership with the Program Director, manages day-to-day expenditures, and ensures all financial activity aligns with federal Uniform Guidance, district procedures, and university policies. This is a grant-funded position with a seven (7) year lifespan. The Financial Specialist maintains complete and auditable financial records, prepares reports for funders and internal stakeholders, and serves as the primary fiscal liaison to ETSU Finance, partner school districts, auditors, and external organizations. Working closely with GEAR UP staff, the Specialist provides guidance and training on purchasing, travel, and financial procedures to ensure appropriate and strategic use of grant funds. The position also assists with budget revisions, supports sustainability planning, and contributes to the effective implementation of GEAR UP initiatives across multiple schools and partner sites. As a key member of the GEAR UP team, the Financial Specialist helps safeguard program resources and strengthens the financial systems that enable GEAR UP to meet its goals for student success. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of the operation of a GEAR UP or similar type programs. Knowledge of guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education as stated in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations, OMB A-121, Uniform Guidance, Federal Register and the approved grant. Knowledge of established university policies, regulations, and services. Knowledge of administration and organization of secondary school systems. Strong knowledge of federal and state grant compliance regulations. Experience with budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting. Proficiency in accounting software, spreadsheets (Excel), and data systems. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to communicate effectively with program staff, district finance offices, and external auditors. Attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or accounting or related field. Three years of experience in grant management, grant compliance, public sector accounting, financial administration and/or performance reporting. Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree Compensation & Benefits
Job Family – Financial Associate 4 Market Range – 6 (Salary Schedules) For information on benefits please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/. Application Instructions
Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
Employment contingent on a satisfactory background check.
University Overview
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement. Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.
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