Analyst, Budget

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

24d

About The Position

The Analyst, Budget is a member of the Biological Sciences Division (BSD) Budget team within Financial Planning & Analysis. With oversight, the position contributes to long- and short-term financial goals, business strategies and plans, financial models for initiatives, budget development and monitoring, and internal reporting. The analyst uses moderate finance knowledge to help coordinate quarterly and year-end operating-budget reporting and enters data to ensure dedicated faculty funds are accurate and ready for use. The role supports assigned departments, units, and account owners across areas including designated funds, budgets, quarterly reports, monthly forecasts, surveys, data integrity, and role assignment management. It analyzes and prepares budgets and datasets, monitors financial activity and variances, creates accounts, and works with the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses. The analyst provides timely financial support and analysis to internal customers, stakeholders, and external partners, and advises on the financial impacts of human resources and academic affairs decisions. The position is based in an office environment. Non-traditional hours are occasionally required.

Requirements

College or university degree in a related field.
Knowledge and skills developed through 2–5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Knowledge of financial computing and database software applications.
Knowledge of financial principles, practices, and applications, including budgeting, financial planning, financial analysis, and financial reporting.
Strong analytical and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels.
Flexibility and ability to work effectively under considerable time pressure on high-visibility, high-stakes projects.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or equivalent.
Strong educational background focused on business, economics, or a related technical field; coursework in accounting and finance.
A minimum of 2–5 years of accounting, finance, or equivalent experience.
Experience working in a university setting.
Financial modeling experience.
Oracle experience.
Intellectual versatility and creativity.
Ability to learn concepts and tools independently through problem solving.

Responsibilities

Perform work supporting designated funds, budgets, quarterly reports, monthly forecasts, surveys, data integrity, and role assignment management.
Analyze budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives; understand key assumptions and issues.
Consolidate individual budgets into operating and capital budget summaries, assess funding requests, and submit summaries to management.
Monitor budget variances by reviewing reports and accounting records, identifying whether allocated funds have been spent, underlying business drivers, and potential problems.
Assist managers in analyzing proposed plans and developing alternatives when projected results are unsatisfactory.
Maintain and track benchmarks and key business drivers, including funding sources, faculty commitments, and grant funding.
Prepare and distribute status reports on projects, budgets and variances, statistics, and productivity.
Prepare data requested by internal customers and enterprise stakeholders, including senior management, departments, service delivery units, the University, and the Medical Center, as well as external partners.
Provide consulting and advisory services to customers at all organizational levels, including executive and faculty leadership.
Respond to inquiries with data analysis and relevant information; assist with financial improvement action plans and complete financial analysis projects as needed.
Recommend changes to systems and procedures to ensure conformance with budgetary provisions.
Serve as a primary contact for assigned departments, units, and account owners on budgetary and financial matters, providing professional and timely support.
Prepare budgets and datasets, monitor financial activities, analyze variances and financial performance, and recommend action items when needed.
Analyze and prepare budgets, create accounts, and use the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses.
Prepare monthly reports and correct account errors using established procedures.
Provide advice on the financial impact of human resources and academic affairs decisions.
Perform other related work as needed.