Columbia University Work Values

Daily Duties at Columbia University:

Administrative and Financial Assistant (2007-Present) Selected for a newly created position to provide administrative support to 3 senior-level managers (Director of Finance & Administration, Principal Investigator, Director/Co-Investigator) in administration and monitoring of a $4M grant-funded program. Also, support 10 staff members—ordering supplies, processing travel/expense reports, HR documentation, assisting with event logistics and related activities. Scope of office support includes data entry, word processing, file management and scheduling. Assist in the oversight of another multimillion-dollar grant. Handle multiple projects, assignments and priorities concurrently: *Administer and serve as point person for 6 consultant contracts and 15 subcontracts ($4.5M), ensuring complete, accurate and timely execution of all contracts. *Manage A/P and A/R function ($3M), reviewing invoices for accuracy and ensuring adherence to budget, and processing incoming deposits and outgoing wire transfers expediently. *Create and maintain Excel spreadsheets, including graphs, and other reports and presentations. *Develop and maintain filing system for invoices and contract/subcontract documents. *Procure and monitor supplies through the internal purchasing system. *Maintain communication and relationships with vendors, suppliers and consultants with the utmost professionalism. *Carry out quality control function for documents, proofreading and editing letters and emails. *Process travel and expense reports, and HR-related documentation. *Provide backup for reception desk as needed, and serve as primary contact with HR, Controller, and Dean's offices. *Coordinate contracts for event and conference facilities and process payments for associated invoices. Research Associate (Administrative Assistant) (2001-2007) Research Technician (1999-2001) Promoted to Associate providing administrative support to the Director and Manager in day-to-day activities of a widely used, fast-paced research facility. Diverse scope of responsibilities: *Planned and coordinated schedules for 300+ clients using facility's equipment and technology. *Purchased supplies and maintained facility and equipment. *Produced billing statements using advanced Excel features. *Provided customer service, technical support, training and user account administration for the facility's software and advanced imaging equipment. *Prepared and delivered presentations using PowerPoint. *Maintained website, online calendar and Access database. *Communicated with vendors, including equipment and software providers.

What they like about Columbia University:

The social vibrance of a hiring firm is very important to you. Your ability to make and maintain friendships there is a critical part of your decision. You would likely be dissatisfied with a workplace that is quiet, cold, or otherwise not particularly social. When you investigate a new hiring company, ask recruiters, managers, and potential co-workers about the social life and opportunities there. This is especially important when you are relocating; moving dramatically alters your social sphere both inside and outside the workplace.

Tags

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Access, SharePoint, Visio, Maintinaing calendars/schedules, Analyzing data / preparing spreadsheets, Completing special / ad-hoc projects, Preparing presentations, Managing vendors/suppliers, Giving orientations and trainings, Managing front office

Skills

Developing policies and Procedures, Scheduling and Training Users

These are some of the questions we asked our climbers about their experiences with Columbia University: