Finance Administrator

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

1d • $70,000 - $77,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Finance Administrator will act as the primary financial and analytical liaison for assigned departments and initiatives, overseeing budget development and providing comprehensive financial management support. This role will drive the development and integration of unit-specific financial data analytics and reporting, focusing on establishing standardized metrics and methodologies to evaluate both University-wide and department-level financial performance. Additionally, the Finance Administrator will contribute to the formulation of long- and short-term financial goals, business strategies, and financial forecasts. The role involves coordinating quarterly and year-end reporting for the operating budget, leveraging a solid understanding of financial principles.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field.
• Knowledge of financial computing and database software application.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, which includes advance usage of pivot tables, v-lookups, macros, and formatting.
• Knowledge of various financial principles, practices, and applications including budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with accounting systems and budget systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented and prioritize and complete multiple concurrent projects.
• Demonstrates capacity to work independently in an organized detailed manner while maintaining a collaborative team environment.
• Exercise sound judgment and absolute discretion regarding confidential matters with tact.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated time management skills to deliver high-integrity products within established deadlines.
• Personable, professional, and consultative work style.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes, reviews, and tracks financial activities for the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth (ICSG), Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), Climate Systems Engineering Initiative (CSEi), the Energy and Environment Lab (E&E Lab), and other programs, with a focus on finance, auditing, budgeting, forecasting, and purchasing.
• Builds and maintains complex financial models using Excel and other tools.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual variance reports; flags inconsistencies and submits account corrections as needed, both payroll and non-payroll.
• Prepares monthly reports, conducts and corrects errors in accounts using existing procedures that are in place, and provides advice on the financial impact of human resources and academic affairs decisions.
• Routinely prepares budgets, creates accounts; and monitors, allocates, authorizes, and controls expenses using the University’s financial accounting system.
• Helps prepare monthly reports and identifies/corrects account errors using standard procedures.
• Plans, develops, and manages budgets, including multi-year forecasting.
• Assists the Finance Manager in the annual budget process, including preparing departmental budget packets and entering data into UCPlan.
• Monitors and reconciles actuals vs. budget; works with departments to understand variances and suggest course corrections.
• Oversees and tracks multi-year faculty fund support packages; provides periodic reports to faculty.
• Assists the Finance Manager in developing performance metrics and methodologies to evaluate financial health across units.
• Oversees review, approval, and reporting of expenditures, goods, services, and cost allocations.
• Prepares and submits financial transactions through Oracle and Concur; assists with payment processing and procurement.
• Supports staff with the GEMS system and ensures regular reconciliation of transactions.
• Coordinates calls for proposals and manages internal faculty grant awards.
• Assists in reviewing and executing contracts and data use agreements; liaise with vendors to ensure compliance with University standards.
• Works with UChicago Global and UC Trust to manage international fund transfers.
• Collaborates with the Clean Air team to oversee funding disbursements to global external partners.
• Acts as the primary account administrator, providing intensive customer service to account owners.
• Liaise with Financial Services and internal stakeholders as necessary.
• Helps develop and maintain a Financial Administration manual with key policies and procedures.
• Provides financial guidance related to HR and academic decisions.
• Ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable data visualization tools and dashboards to support financial reporting, forecasting, and decision-making.
• Work closely with the Finance Manager in organizing and synthesizing complex financial data into user-friendly reports for leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Assists in preparing presentations and training materials on financial and administrative topics for leadership and department members.
• Provides professional support as a primary account administrator for account owners in an intensive customer service environment.
• Analyzes and prepares budgets, creates accounts, and works with the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees