Job Description
Job no: 513981
Position type: Staff
Location: New York
Categories: Onsite
Posting Summary:
Teachers College, Columbia University, the nation's first and foremost graduate school of education, seeks a dynamic part-time Administrative Assistant. TC Academy offers educational and corporate development programs that leverage TC's world-renowned faculty and thought leadership in health, education, leadership, and psychology, including professional development, pre-college programs, and executive education initiatives.
Job Summary/Basic Function:
The part-time Administrative Assistant will serve as a key operational support partner, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of TC Academy programs and services. This position requires a collaborative professional who can manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining the highest standards of service excellence that align with Teachers College's mission.
Schedule: Approximately 15-20 hours per week, hourly position
Work Arrangement: In-person
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Instructional Compensation
Ensure the timely and accurate payment of instructors for TC Academy programming. This specialized function requires:
Deep understanding of College policies for non-credit and credit programming across different categories of employment, including faculty, adjuncts, staff, and contractors
Ability to build relationships with key stakeholders to support the hiring process, including HR, HRIS, Student Employment, the Provost's Office, the Budget Office, and Procurement
Develop and maintain processes and documentation to track hourly workers and ensure compliance with institutional policies
Navigate complex employment classification requirements and compensation structures
Coordinate with multiple departments to facilitate seamless instructor onboarding and payment processing
Troubleshoot payment discrepancies and resolve compensation issues in a timely manner
Vendor Management
Manage contract and payment process for vendors used by TC Academy:
Develop a comprehensive understanding of TC’s procurement and contracting policy
Serve as a liaison between TC’s Procurement division and TC Academy to ensure Procurement policies are being adhered to
Ensure vendors are set up in TC’s procurement system, Unimarket
Work with faculty and TC Academy staff to resolve time-sensitive vendor set-up issues
Track payments made through Unimarket to ensure they are reflected in Banner, the College’s Financial system of record
Budget and Financial Management
Provide comprehensive financial oversight and support for TC Academy operations:
Develop and monitor program budgets in collaboration with TC Academy leadership
Track expenditures across multiple program accounts and funding sources with meticulous attention to detail
Process and document program-related expenses, including faculty professional development and travel
Collaborate with institutional finance teams to ensure compliance with university policies and procedures
Prepare detailed financial reports and budget projections for programs and initiatives
Support revenue tracking and billing processes for corporate and professional development programs
Maintain accurate financial records and provide analytical support for budget planning and forecasting
Assist with grant management and restricted fund compliance as needed
Collections
Manage accounts receivable and revenue collection processes:
Create detailed invoices for bulk purchases and institutional contracts
Follow up systematically to ensure payments are collected on invoices, demonstrating understanding of payment procedures for large districts and organizations that do business with TC Academy
Maintain professional relationships with client finance departments and procurement offices
Reconcile outstanding receivables on a quarterly basis with comprehensive documentation
Prepare end of fiscal year reports for accruals and deferrals in accordance with accounting standards
Track payment patterns and identify potential collection issues early
Collaborate with legal and administrative teams when collection issues require escalation
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in financial administration, budget management, or related field
Strong understanding of higher education financial policies and procedures
Experience with payroll systems, budget tracking, and accounts receivable management
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in financial record-keeping
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for budget analysis and reporting
Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and financial databases
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders across departments
Technical Skills
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel including pivot tables, formulas, and data analysis
Experience with financial management systems and databases
Knowledge of payroll systems and HR information systems (HRIS)
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in Business, Finance, or related field
Experience in higher education finance, particularly with non-credit and continuing education programs
Knowledge of Teachers College financial systems and policies
Experience with grant management and restricted fund accounting
Familiarity with contractor and consultant payment processes
Previous experience in collections and accounts receivable management
Knowledge of federal and state employment regulations
Experience with process improvement and documentation development
Salary Range:
$36.48 - $36.48
Work Modality:
Hybrid
Equal Employment Opportunity
Teachers College is committed to fostering an inclusive academic community and to providing equal opportunity in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, citizenship, disability, marital status, ****** orientation, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.
If you would like to discuss any disability-related accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or a similar law, related to applying for employment at Teachers College, Columbia University, please email the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities: oasid@tc.columbia.edu
Advertised: Jan 07, 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Mar 31, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
