Financial Coordinator

Department: Law Information Systems

Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Job Summary:

The Financial Coordinator & Curatorial Assistant plays a dual role at the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, combining rigorous financial stewardship with active support of the Law Schools cultural and artistic mission. In the operational sphere, this position provides comprehensive oversight of transactional and financial activities including accounting, analysis, and administrative support for the departments of Information Technology and Facilities. In the art logistics sphere, the incumbent supports the Law Schools art collections and Visibility Initiative through coordination of artwork transportation, installation, event logistics, and vendor management. Together, these responsibilities reflect the Law Schools commitment to excellence across both its operational and cultural dimensions, making this a uniquely impactful role for someone who brings financial acumen and a passion for the arts

Please note: This position requires utilizing a computer and telephone for prolonged periods, moving throughout the Law School and gallery spaces, and occasional handling or installation of artworks. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $51,346 - $64,473 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Specific Responsibilities:

Budget & Financial Operations

• Create and maintain financial records, update transaction spreadsheets and databases.
• Review and provide oversight of financial transactions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Approve and monitor purchase requisitions and invoices in NU Financials.
• Process and reconcile expenses, accounting transfers, and other changes.
• Hold purchasing card; maintain and reconcile charges on departmental credit cards.
• Create new vendors in the NU financial system and request wire transfers as needed.
• Monitor open encumbrances and deficit chart strings.
• Generate summary reports, statistics, and financial analysis; assist with monthly/quarterly/annual journal entries and statements.
• Prepare materials for annual budget planning, including budget performance reports and year-end close data.
• Research information to resolve problems, interpret policies, and communicate key information to managers.

Art Logistics Responsibilities

• Coordinate with artists, vendors, and internal stakeholders to support curatorial projects and art installations.
• Coordinate logistics for artwork transportation, delivery, and installation across Law School spaces
• Support budget-tracking and monitoring of budgets for art-related projects.
• Maintain records and databases related to art collections.
• Assist with the planning and execution of exhibitions and art-related events.
• Plan and manage logistics for art-related events, including setup, vendor coordination, and on-site execution
• Serve as point of contact for art logistics inquiries and coordinate approvals as needed

Customer Service

• Provide excellent customer service via phone, email, MS Teams, and in-person.
• Answer standard questions regarding the status of requests and procedures for processing transactions.
• Create, assign, and close tickets and maintain FAQs.
• Instruct and advise the Law School community on appropriate options and courses of action.

Communication & Outreach

• Assist with producing, editing, and distributing newsletters and departmental communications.
• Assist with website updates.
• Plan and manage events throughout the year, ensuring all logistics are completed.
• Draft and distribute departmental communications after receiving appropriate approvals.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Art History, or related field; OR 2 years of financial administration experience; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.

• 1 year of accounting and/or bookkeeping experience.

• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.

• Familiarity with financial reporting.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest and ability to provide strong customer service.

• Advanced Excel and database skills.

• Willingness to learn new tools to improve workflow and reporting (e.g., Tableau).

• Experience coordinating logistics for events, installations, or facilities projects

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and exercising discretion in all matters.

• Positive attitude and collaborative approach.

• Ability to speak, read, or write in Spanish or other languages is a plus.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.