Senior Budget Analyst

Department
PSD Budget & Finance

Job Summary
Under the direction of the Associate Director of Finance, the Senior Budget Analyst prepares the consolidated budget for the Division of the Physical Sciences, works with departments and centers to create and update financial models, and helps departments prepare their budgets. The Senior Budget Analyst performs accounting data collection and analysis, financial reviews and historical trend analysis of related work, and develops and maintains policies and guidelines for accounting data collection and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Prepares the Division's annual budget by gathering, analyzing, and compiling financial data into spreadsheets shared with departments, and provides specialized analysis and administration of the budget
• Evaluates budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives
• Tracks budget performance by reviewing reports and accounting records ensuring that allocated funds are utilized effectively and appropriately
• Produces specific reports and analysis for various types of data used by the Associate Dean; collaborates with others to develop focused, effective reporting design and metrics
• Examines past budgets and performs research on economic and financial developments that affect spending; communicates progress and results to all stakeholders; understands the context and implications of all projects in addressing business needs
• Responds to requests from across the Division, including the Dean and Associate/Deputy Deans, for special reports and data (such as enrollment, faculty, and admissions), analyzing and interpreting results to prepare clear reports
• Identifies current and future resource planning and allocation issues; develops, leads, and supervises complex studies and analyses that will assist senior staff in reaching resource planning and allocation decisions
• Understands and clearly communicates the conclusions drawn from data analysis
• Designs, implements, and maintains financial models to support budget planning, forecasting, and resource allocation, and to evaluate the potential impact of strategic initiatives
• Reviews estimated expenditures. Develops expenditure projections and periodic budget variance reports. Prepares forecasts as well as analysis
• Has a deep understanding of operational budgets for departments or other operational units
• Reports on variances between the approved budget and actual performance and recommends revised procedures
• Performs other related work as needed

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• MBA, or other advanced degree
• Educational background with focus in business or related technical field

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience building financial models
• Advanced Excel skills, able to manipulate data via sort, VLOOKUP, IF statements, and pivot data
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

• Accounting, Finance, Budgeting, Financial Analysis, or related experience
• Experience compiling data used for preparing budgets
• Experience verifying electronic records for data integrity
• Experience researching information
• Experience in a University setting or other complex not-for-profit organization
• Familiarity with Oracle ERP system
• Familiarity with Orbit reporting system
• Familiarity with SmartView
• Familiarity with a higher education environment Understanding of how gifts, endowments, and payroll flow into departmental budgets

Preferred Competencies

• Strong practical knowledge of financial analysis methodologies
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong communication skills-be able to tell a story in understandable manner to the non-financial individual.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, independently develop and evaluate options, and translate findings into operational objectives
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels
• Ability to work closely and effectively with senior University leadership
• Intellectual versatility and creativity
• Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to interact with a diverse workforce
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision
• Flexibility and ability to work effectively and gracefully under considerable time pressure on high visibility, high-stakes projects
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule; Will be required to be onsite one day a week and/or as needed
• Occasional extended or non-standard hours may be required during peak periods, such as annual budget preparation, fiscal year-end close, and urgent leadership requests

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
Financial Management

Role Impact
Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5

Drug Test Required
No

Health Screen Required
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$95,000.00 - $110,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.