Accounting Specialist

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Financial Support Specialist for Biology and Evolutionary Anthropology, you'll serve as a vital financial hub for two dynamic academic departments. Your expertise will ensure seamless fiscal operations and empower faculty, staff, and students to focus on groundbreaking research and learning.

Be Bold.

Bring your problem-solving skills and attention to detail to a role where no two days are the same. You'll tackle complex accounting challenges, support procurement needs, and help maintain compliance across sponsored and non-sponsored funds-all while collaborating with world-class scholars and administrators.

What You'll Do:

• Procurement & Purchasing




• Place and manage orders in Buy@Duke, resolve order issues, and ensure timely invoice payments.
• Initiate vendor onboarding through PaymentWorks and maintain accurate tracking.
• Provide training and support for faculty, staff, and students on purchasing systems and compliance.
• Assist with new faculty lab purchasing and setup.
• Maintain departmental SOPs for procurement processes.




• Financial Accounting




• Oversee corporate card (P-card) transactions and monthly reconciliations in Concur.
• Process reimbursements and travel expenses for faculty, staff, and students.
• Monitor unassigned expense transactions and ensure proper documentation and coding.
• Collaborate with financial analysts and grant administrators on reporting and fiscal closeouts.
• Manage FedEx account charges and ensure compliance with departmental procedures.




• Cash Management




• Serve as custodian for petty cash, ensuring accurate documentation and timely replenishment.




• Departmental Support




• Assist with seminars and events, including travel arrangements for visiting speakers.
• Request and manage copy cards for courses and personnel.




• Collaboration & Compliance




• Act as liaison with Procurement, Accounts Payable, and Shared Service Centers.
• Ensure adherence to Duke's financial policies and audit requirements.
• Provide training on expense and travel systems, emphasizing compliance principles.

Anticipated Pay Rate

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.00 to USD $26.62. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your pay check. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/ or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Knowledge of general accounting principles typically acquired through two years of post-secondary education in accounting or a related business field.
• Experience: At least three years of experience in an accounting setting, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Skills & Preferences:




• Previous experience in academia or administrative support roles.
• Familiarity with SPS, SAP, and other accounting tools/platforms.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Knowledge of Duke University policies related to procurement, travel, and reimbursement.

Choose Duke.

When you join Duke, you're joining a community committed to excellence, collaboration, and innovation. We offer competitive pay (anticipated range: $18.00-$26.62/hour), comprehensive benefits, and a culture that values work-life balance and professional growth. Learn more about our benefits at https://hr.duke.edu/benefits.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.