Job location: Hyde Park Campus

Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2019-04-17
Req: JR04707
Please make sure to read the job posting in its entirety as it reflects both the University roles and responsibilities, followed by the specific description.

Department40641 Finan Plan/Budget

About the UnitThe Budget Office provides strategic and operational leadership in financial planning and analysis for the University and reports directly to the Provost. The unit is responsible for the development and monitoring of the University of Chicago $2.5B operating budget and oversight of the approximately $300 million annual capital budget. In addition to these core duties, the unit also provides financial analysis on a wide range of subject matters including total student charges, research performance, and enrollment trends. Job Summary The Senior Financial Analyst will provide analytic and financial management for the University of Chicago Budget Office. Reporting to the Senior Director for Financial Strategy and Capital Budget, the Senior Financial Analyst will work collaboratively with financial managers and experts throughout the University, including academic and administrative unit financial leaders, Financial Services staff, and university leadership. The Senior Financial Analyst will support the development and integration of university-wide financial data analytics and reporting, with a focus on the development of a common set of metrics and methodologies for evaluating both University and unit-specific financial performance. The Senior Financial Analyst will also serve as the primarily financial liaison to the Budget Office for assigned units and will be responsible for providing those units with budget development and financial management support as part of the annual and monthly University budget processes.

Job FamilyFinancial Management

Responsible for accounting, budgets and financial controls, payroll, purchasing, risk management, and treasury for the University. Sets financial strategy that impacts University functions such as grant awards, clinical research, and investments of capital.

Career Track and Job LevelBudget

Compiles and reviews the budgets for the University, taking into consideration actual performance, previous expenditures, and estimated expenses and income. Creates financial models and maintains accurate records of spending and budgetary control measures.

P2: Requires knowledge and experience in own discipline; still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills. Builds knowledge of the organization, processes and customers. Solves a range of straightforward problems. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Receives a moderate level of guidance and direction.

Role ImpactIndividual Contributor

ResponsibilitiesThe job uses an understanding of key business drivers to accomplish work related to the creation and management of budgets. Compiles and reviews the budget, taking into consideration actual performance, previous expenditures, and estimated expenses and income. Drafts financial models and maintenance of accurate records of spending and budgetary control measures.

1) Supports the drafting of budgets, providing analytical support for routine budget projects and analyzing budget estimates and proposals. Ensures budget proposals are accurate, complete, and in compliance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives., 2) Researches past budgets and economic and financial developments that affect spending, and prepares budget summaries for management., 3) Drafts analyses for proposed plans and devises possible alternatives if the projected results are unsatisfactory. Periodically monitors the budget by reviewing reports and accounting records to determine if allocated funds have been spent as specified., 4) Drafts variance summaries highlighting difference between the approved budget and actual performance, and make recommendations regarding excess and deficient funds. Informs managers and others within the organization of the status and availability of funds in different accounts., 5) Performs other related work as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

The Financial Analyst’s key tasks will include the following:

1) Creates financial models that employ scenario analysis for future University planning and budgeting decisions

2) Assists in the development, interpretation and implementation of highly complex financial/accounting concepts and advanced techniques for financial planning and forecasting

3) Performs business case analyses and provides quantitative modeling support for various financial management projects in the Budget Office and the Office of the Provost

4) Serves as the primary Budget Office liaison to financial administrators in several University units as assigned

5) Assists in the development of operating budget targets for major units and reviews submitted budgets for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with University budget procedures

6) Works closely with units to understand actual to budget variance and develop recommendations for programmatic changes or cost containment strategies to avoid deficits

7) Prepares presentations to convey financial and administrative matters to leadership and members of the University community

8) Develops and implements metrics and methodologies toolkits for evaluating financial performance for both the University and specific administrative and academic units

9) Coordinates with all levels of management and individuals across the University to gather, analyze, summarize, and prepare recommendations regarding financial plans, operating forecasts and other complex financial matters

10) Builds and maintains complex financial models using Excel, Hyperion, and other analysis and reporting tools and systems as necessary

11) Works closely with information technology staff to improve budgeting and financial reporting systems and tools

12) Works independently and collaboratively on special projects as initiatives as assigned

Unit-preferred Competencies

1) Analytical thinking

2) Teamwork and collaboration

3) Communicating effectively

4) Detail oriented and results driven

Education, Experience, and CertificationsMinimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

1) Bachelor’s degree

2) Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, mathematics, computer sciences, statistics, or business administration desired or equivalent

3) Master’s degree in a related field (MBA, MA/MPP, Master of Accounting, MS in Finance, Statistics, etc.)

Experience

1) One to three years’ experience

2) Previous experience in accounting, finance, or a related field

Technical Knowledge or Skills

1) Demonstrated analytical and quantitative modelling abilities

2) Strong interpersonal, verbal, and communication skills

3) Experience with database software applications and statistical analysis tools

4) Ability to work closely and effectively with senior University officials and colleagues in the Budget Office, Office of the Provost, and Financial Services

5) Ability to independently complete projects on time and accurately with minimal supervision

Required Documents

1) Resume

2) Cover Letter

NOTE: When applying, all required documents MUST be uploaded under the Resume/CV section of the application

FLSA StatusExempt

Pay FrequencyMonthly

Pay GradeDepends on Qualifications

Scheduled Weekly Hours37.5

Benefits EligibleYes

Drug Test RequiredNo

Health Screen RequiredNo

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNo

Posting Date2019-04-17-07:00

Remove from Posting On or Before2019-10-17-07:00

Posting StatementThe University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

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