Department: Division Operations & Services
Salary/Grade: EXS/11

Job Summary

The Director of Financial Analysis provides strategic financial leadership, analysis, and decision support for the Division of Student Affairs, with significant responsibility for supporting complex auxiliary and revenue-generating operations. Reporting to the Executive Director of Administration and Finance, this position partners closely with divisional and departmental leaders to develop budgets, forecasts, financial models, variance analyses, and reporting tools that support sound resource planning and operational decision-making.

The Director manages complex financial operations, including budget development, financial reporting, account reconciliation, internal controls, long-range forecasting, and analysis of revenue, expense, labor, contract, and operational trends. This role serves as a trusted financial advisor to Student Affairs leadership and helps translate financial data into clear, actionable insights that support service delivery, resource allocation, and long-term financial sustainability.

In addition, the Director applies professional accounting and financial management standards while interpreting university policies, procedures, and relevant regulations. The position identifies opportunities for process improvement, strengthens internal controls, and recommends best practices to enhance operational effectiveness. As a recognized subject matter expert, the Director represents and advises Student Affairs on internal and external financial matters and serves as a key resource on the division's financial operations and strategy.

Pay: The salary range for this Director of Financial Analysis position is $110,000-115,360 annually, depending on experience, skills, and internal equity.

Principal Accountabilities:

35% Analysis, Statements and Reporting:

• Measures individual net performance of all areas/units as well as consolidated area/unit income statement and balance sheet with the use of pre-defined analytical financial tools.
• Recommends changes to tools to improve analysis, forecasting, modeling and reporting and ultimately quality of financial information and analyses provided to management for planning, evaluating and controlling operations.
• Establishes proper accounting and audit trails for revenue and expenses related to programs and initiatives.
• Oversees monthly reconciliation and reports on current financial performance, impact on year-end forecast and opportunities and risks.
• Performs complex financial account reconciliations, statement analysis, and transaction research

25% Budget:

• Plans and supports complex budget(s) which fund strategic mission including financial sustainability and enhancement models. Budget structure may require stand-alone financial health to not only ensure that school/dept can financially support its strategic plan but also requires providing financial and strategic support to strengthen and enhance the University's reputation.
• Plans and implements annual budget process including fiscal resource allocation of appropriated, discretionary, endowment and/or gift revenues.
• Develops and recommends budget parameters to senior staff for all units based upon those provided by the Budget Office as well as more restrictive parameters that may be required per a comprehensive understanding of school/dept's financial position and forecasting model.
• Reviews and partners with senior staff from all areas/units to finalize proposed budgets ensuring compliance with established budget parameters as well as a consolidated school/dept balanced budget.
• Oversees routine budget reconciliation and analyzes budget position.
• Approves funds reallocation within budget as necessary and appropriate.

15% Transactions:

• Ensures compliance of financial processes and systems including the implementation and monitoring of financial controls and training of managers with financial responsibilities in accordance with all associated NU, local, state and federal rules and regulations.
• Supports completion of annual fiscal year-end close.
• Coordinates with Budget Office and other schools/depts for proper recording of cross school/dept transactions.
• Supports processing of financial transactional activity.
• Reviews status of related university unit accounts and processes; troubleshoots issues as needed.

15% Administration:

• Identifies current and future resource planning and allocation issues and develops, leads, and supervises complex studies and analyses that will assist senior staff in reaching resource planning and allocation decisions.
• Processes and presents associated data and information through the application of sophisticated database, graphic and spreadsheet tools.
• Acts as project manager for design and implementation of system/process changes.
• Ensures that service level goals are met.

5% Training:

• Provides training and support to related university units or program participants
• Develops and maintains training materials as needed

5% Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as accounting, business administration, finance, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 8 years financial, budgeting and/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis or other relevant experience.

Minimum Competencies:

• Advanced proficiency with financial systems, reporting tools, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and communicate complex budgets, forecasts, financial models, and variance analyses.
• Strong knowledge of internal controls, account reconciliation, audit practices, and financial compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with senior leaders, department partners, and central administrative offices.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and complex projects independently.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing financial information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or similarly complex decentralized financial environments.
• Experience working with student affairs, auxiliary enterprises, service-oriented operations, or other complex revenue-generating units.
• Advanced experience with Power BI or other data visualization tools to develop dashboards, reports, and decision-support materials.
• Experience supporting annual budget planning, year-end close, audit preparation, and long-range financial forecasting.
• Familiarity with FASB requirements, GAAP reporting principles, and financial reporting standards applicable to nonprofit or higher education organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to recommend process improvements, strengthen financial controls, and improve reporting practices.
• Experience advising senior leadership on financial strategy, resource planning, risk assessment, and operational decision-making.

Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth and Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.