Budget & Financial Analyst Lead

UL Standards & Engagement • Evanston, IL

1d • $98,562 - $135,523 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Financial Analyst Lead leads enterprise financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes to support strategic objectives. This role partners with senior leadership to translate priorities into actionable financial plans, deliver data-driven insights on financial performance, and provides board-ready analysis on budget-to-actual results. The position plays a key role in optimizing resource allocation and continuously improving financial planning processes. This is a hybrid position (Tuesday & Thursday onsite) at our Evanston, IL office.

Requirements

• Strong expertise in financial principles, accounting, budgeting, and variance analysis within a complex organizational environment.
• Advanced ability to analyze complex financial data, synthesize insights, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Proven ability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• High level of attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and integrity in financial planning and reporting.
• Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder partnership skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally to gather inputs and drive alignment.
• Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment, managing competing priorities and adapting to changing timelines.
• Proficiency with financial systems and tools (e.g., Workday, Adaptive, Excel), including advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities.
• Advanced knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and planning methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop clear, concise presentations for executive audiences.
• Experience supporting or leading large-scale business initiatives, including data-driven projects, and process improvements.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of directly related experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Adaptive and Workday is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and management of annual budgets and multi-year financial plans, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy.
• Partners with senior leaders and department heads to drive financial planning processes, translating strategic priorities with actionable financial plans while ensuring accuracy, accountability, and strategic alignment.
• Oversee monthly budget-to-actual variance analysis, identifying key drivers and delivering proactive recommendations to optimize costs and improve operational efficiency.
• Prepare and deliver budget-to-actual variance analyses and support narrative for monthly close meetings and quarterly board reports, clearly articulating key drivers, trends, and implications relative to the approved budget.
• Develop and present financial reports, forecasts, and analyses to senior leadership and department stakeholders, ensuring clarity and actionable insights.
• Lead and monitor the quarterly forecasting process, delivering forward-looking projections and actionable insights to support informed decision-making.
• Provide guidance and oversight in preparation of high-impact budget by department and financial presentations for executive leadership and board-level discussions.
• Drive continuous improvement of budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes, including tools, methodologies, and data quality enhancements.
• Mentor and develop analysts, providing coaching and quality review to strengthen team capabilities and performance.
• Act as a strategic finance partner to functional leaders, supporting decision-making on resource allocation, planning, and cost management.
• Support large-scale financial initiatives, system implementations, and cross-functional projects.
• Perform other duties as directed.

Benefits

• bonus compensation based on the level of the position
• comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
• a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay
• an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment
• flexible working arrangements
• paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior