Financial Analyst: Tickle College of Engineering - UTK

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Data Analytics & Technology Transformation, the Financial Analyst provides advanced financial, budgeting, planning, forecasting, and operational support for the Tickle College of Engineering (TCE). This position serves as a key advisor to the Director of Data Analytics & Technology Transformation in developing and administering annual operating budgets, monitoring financial performance, preparing complex analyses and reports, and guiding strategic decision-making through forecasting and scenario modeling. The Financial Analyst serves as the subject matter expert for budgeting and forecasting systems, maintains the integrity of financial data across multiple modules, and ensures responsible stewardship of restricted and unrestricted funds in alignment with institutional priorities, regulatory requirements, and long-term strategic goals. The position supports the decision-making of the Dean, Dean’s Cabinet, department heads, and directors. The role also provides management of financial operations, compliance, and staff support functions, while fostering effective communication, process improvement, and collaboration across the college and central university offices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business or other closely related field from accredited institution.
5 years of progressive finance or accounting experience
5 years of experience involving financial analysis, budgeting, and modeling
5 years of experience using ERP and business intelligence software for data aggregation, analysis, budgeting, and modeling
Exceptional computer and analytical skills with the ability to translate raw data into information and knowledge through the use of reports and graphical displays.
Knowledge of data warehouse methodologies, data modeling, and analytics.
Ability to identify risks associated with budget actions and determine the cause and effect of scenarios.
Working knowledge of ERP software and the related data warehouse reporting component.
Working knowledge of business intelligence software such as PowerBI, PowerQuery, Argos, Oracle Suite (ERP-EPM)
Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Python
Organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate financial data in an understandable way to college leadership, faculty and staff.
Ability to manage projects and facilitate successful and timely completion.
Ability to direct the work of others.
Ability to self-direct work and be self-motivated.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or other closely related field from accredited institution
Experience in a research-intensive (R1) university or national laboratory.
Proficient with Oracle ERP & EPM
Proficient with PowerBI and PowerQuery
Working knowledge of SQL
Working knowledge of Claude

Responsibilities

Leads the college's annual budget development process by coordinating planning activities, developing financial models and budget scenarios, administering the DASH EPM budgeting system, and ensuring accurate integration of personnel and operating budgets.
Serves as the college's primary resource for strategic financial planning, supporting leadership in the effective allocation of financial resources to meet institutional priorities.
Provides comprehensive financial oversight through ongoing monitoring of revenues and expenditures, development of financial reports and dashboards, reconciliation of financial data, and analysis of budget variances.
Produces recurring and ad hoc reports that provide leadership with timely, accurate financial information to support operational and strategic decision-making while ensuring financial integrity across college operations.
Performs advanced financial forecasting, trend analysis, and scenario modeling to evaluate the fiscal impact of strategic initiatives, enrollment changes, personnel actions, and other business decisions.
Provides data-driven recommendations that support college leadership in long-range planning, resource management, and informed decision-making.
Supports the college's financial operations by providing expert guidance on university financial policies, ensuring compliance with institutional procedures, improving business processes, maintaining the integrity of financial systems, resolving complex data issues, and serving as a primary resource for financial reporting and operational analysis.
Promotes operational efficiency, accountability, and continuous process improvement across the college.