Financial Analyst

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Financial Analyst supports the financial operations of UChicago Professional (UCPro) and reports to the Director of Finance, Budget and Procurement. The role processes and analyzes financial transactions, including supplier and customer invoices, employee expense reports, internal billing, and cash receipts. It uses established procedures and professional judgment to resolve straightforward discrepancies and escalates more complex matters to the Director. The Financial Analyst contributes to month-end and year-end close and routinely analyzes accounts payable and receivable data to identify trends and support process improvements. Working with the Director and central University offices, the analyst develops knowledge of UCPro’s financial systems, procedures, and stakeholders to help maintain accurate, compliant financial records. The role also prepares reports and analyses, responds to supplier and internal inquiries, and supports procurement and other financial activities as assigned.

Requirements

Vocational training, an apprenticeship, or equivalent experience in a related field; a four-year degree is not typically required.
Five to seven years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy when processing financial transactions.
Excellent customer service orientation and ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including reconciling financial data and identifying causes of discrepancies.
Ability to multitask and prioritize work.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including explaining financial information to non-financial audiences.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a small finance team.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
Experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, or general accounting, preferably at a university or other large, decentralized organization.
Familiarity with ERP and expense management systems such as Oracle and Concur, or similar platforms.
Familiarity with reconciling subledgers to the general ledger and supporting month-end and year-end close.
Background in a customer service environment.
Knowledge of financial computing and database software applications.
Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and standard invoice and payment processing procedures.
Familiarity with the University of Chicago’s financial systems and structure.
Skill in spreadsheet modeling, reconciliation, and analysis using Excel.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Prepare reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules for month-end and year-end close.
Reconcile accounts payable and accounts receivable subledgers to the general ledger and prepare aging and exception reports.
Prepare financial reports, dashboards, and ad hoc analyses for the Director.
Create purchase requests; process invoices; and review employee expense reports using the University’s Oracle ERP and Concur systems.
Review accounts payable transactions and expense reports for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with University policies and procedures, correcting identified errors.
Monitor the finance shared inbox and respond to and research supplier and internal stakeholder inquiries about invoice status, payments, and reimbursements.
Process billing and collection transactions for UCPro programs.
Research outstanding receivables and payment-posting discrepancies, and follow up on aged balances.
Follow University financial policies and procedures to support timely, accurate processing.
Maintain accurate, documented transaction and account records in accordance with University audit and recordkeeping standards.
Perform special projects as assigned by the Director of Finance, Budget and Procurement.
Prepare monthly reports, conduct and correct account errors using established procedures, and advise on the financial impact of human resources and academic affairs decisions.
Work with other administrators on procurement, allocate expenditures for authorization, and assist with communications regarding funding agencies and subcontractors as directed.
Perform other related work as needed.