A variety of technology applications, including Duke's enterprise SAP system, support Duke's operations, core financial processes, and the safeguarding of Duke's resources. The Financial Systems Specialist certification is designed for Duke employees for whom the use of such systems is central to the successful fulfillment of job responsibilities. This program, with a significant focus on key technology applications, will develop a highly-qualified user of Duke primary financial systems, promote broader understanding of financial responsibilities, enhance the ability to ensure financial compliance with established policies and procedures, and provide a credential recognized and respected throughout the Duke community. Please note: The program is geared towards those who currently have responsibilities related to financial administration and it not designed to be a program for those in non-financial roles to gain experience with Duke’s core financial processes and systems.

Managers throughout Duke are encouraged to use their employee-participants in value-added roles by:

  • Delegating additional work and responsibilities to the participant
  • Supporting employee growth and development from certification
  • Seeking new hires who have completed certification

Certification Advantages & Outcomes

Upon receipt of the Financial Systems Specialist Certificate within the institution's Financial Certification Program, recipients will have the skills to:

  • Apply broad knowledge of Duke systems and operational practices to financially related job duties
    • General Accounting Procedures (GAPs)
    • Accounting Terminology and Concepts
    • Use of General Ledger accounts (G/L)
    • Fiscal Calendar
    • Procurement terminology, forms and reference
    • Disbursements terminology, forms and reference
    • Introduction to sponsored research terms and concepts
  • Understand the correlation(s) between various systems improve operational efficiency
    • Microsoft Office (Windows, Excel)
    • SAP
    • Duke@Work Portal
    • Online Expense Reports
    • iForms
    • Buy@Duke and SAP Requisitioning
  • Be proficient in the execution of reports using specific criteria to narrow results, and understand which reports are best for certain cost object types and/or informational requirements
    • One line summaries
    • Financial Statements - Cost Centers, Profit Centers, and WBS Elements
    • Line item reporting for the purposes of reconciliation
    • Know how to use Cost Element Groups
    • Know how to drill down to acquire specific information associated with a transaction
  • Analyze and interpret report results to ensure spending is compliant and consistent
  • Take appropriate action in the resolution of identified problems to ensure spending remains consistent with available funds
    • Process JVs for corrections, ensuring that an adequate audit trail is established and maintained
    • Process JVs to cover overdrafts on unrestricted cost objects
  • Know resources for future use
    • Financial Services Website
    • Department names and phone numbers

This certification does not provide a recipient with the following:

  • The ability to make complex decisions regarding business practice
  • Detailed understanding of all Duke Accounting Procedures and General Ledger Accounts
  • Detailed understanding of individual Procurement and/or Sponsored Research policies
  • Detailed understanding and knowledge of Budgeting at Duke, Duke@Work Reporting, Online Expense Reports, Buy@Duke/SAP Requisitioning, iForms

Program Requirements

To achieve a Financial Systems Specialist certification, participants should allow 2-6 months to complete all course curriculums. The Financial Systems Specialist curriculum requires sequencing of courses in three groups. The required courses/skills and groupings are as follows:

For University Employees

Prerequisites

For Health System Employees

Prerequisites