Department
Provost Financial Strategy and Capital Budgeting

Job Summary
The Senior Financial Analyst will provide analytic and project management support for the University of Chicago Budget Office, which reports directly to the Provost. 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 the University Financial Planning and Analysis group. The Senior Financial Analyst will 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 with annual and monthly University budget processes. The Senior Financial Analyst will also 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.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the development of operating budget targets for major units and analyzes unit submitted forecasts and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives.
• Works closely with units to understand actual to budget variance and develop recommendations for programmatic changes or cost containment strategies to avoid deficits.
• Assists in the development, interpretation and implementation of highly complex financial/accounting concepts and advanced techniques for financial planning and forecasting.
• Performs business case analyses and provides quantitative modeling support for various financial management projects in the Budget Office and the Office of the Provost.
• Prepares presentations to convey financial and administrative matters to leadership and members of the University community.
• Creates financial models that employ scenario analysis for future University planning and budgeting decisions.
• Develops and implements metrics and methodologies toolkits for evaluating financial performance for both the University and specific administrative and academic units.
• 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.
• Builds and maintains complex financial models using Excel, Hyperion, and other analysis and reporting tools and systems as necessary.
• Participates in use case testing and analytical support for changes to University budgeting and financial management systems and supports design and implementation efforts for future systems.
• Reports on variances between the approved budget and actual performance and recommends revised procedures.
• Provides specialized analysis and administration of the budget.
• Has a deep understanding of operational budgets for departments or other operational units.
• 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:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or relevant field.

Experience:

• Experience in a university setting, or other not-for-profit enterprise.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of financial computing and database software application.
• Knowledge of various financial principles, practices, and applications including budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting.
• Experience with accounting systems and budget systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Competencies

• Attention to detail.
• Organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated time management ability to deliver high-integrity products within established deadlines.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (optional)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)

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
$99,000.00 - $115,000.00
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.