Financial Analyst

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

5h•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Analyst provides support for special projects, assists with ad hoc reporting, and addresses requests for information to support the changing business needs of Facilities Services. This role supports the University by recommending and implementing changes in analyses and budgetary methods and procedures, as well as analysis and financial reporting. Serving as a liaison with University and departmental financial administrators, the Financial Analyst is responsible for compiling and monitoring all financial, budgeting, and accounting reporting.

Requirements

College or university degree in a related field.
5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
High level of Business Objects knowledge.
Experience with e-Builder Project Management software.
Computer literate in Microsoft Word and other Microsoft Applications.
Advanced in Microsoft Excel, which includes advanced usage of pivot tables, v-lookups, macros etc.
Previous experience developing relational databases (i.e. Access).
Strong mathematical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Highly organized and detail-oriented in order to track multiple open issues in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner.
Ability to be an analytical and critical thinker.
A capable and eager team-player willing to work well with others within a team-oriented Finance team and demonstrates a professional and cooperative tone with team members and customers.
Ability to communicate, both verbally and written, with high-level customers.
An ability to communicate a complex practice and issue at a practical level.
Must have initiative to question, identify, and improve processes/practices.
Demonstrate ability to proactively provide innovative financial resources in order to assist customers in making sound financial decisions and resolve customer concerns and issues.
Must be able to provide accurate and timely information consistently.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.
Resourceful, flexible and able to anticipate and resolve problems effectively and efficiently.
A capacity for understanding the relationship of specific tasks to the broader operation of the administrative functions.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to communicate with clarity, tact, and courtesy, and demonstrate judgment and discretion in the sharing of sensitive information.
Strong customer service orientation and the ability to work effectively with a wide variety of constituents, and the ability to work independently without close supervision.

Nice To Haves

BS/BA Accounting, Finance, or relevant field of study.
MBA.
Five years of progressive financial experience.
Financial and/or accounting experience in a university environment.
Experience in financial modeling.
Deep understanding of operational budgets for departments or other operational units.
Familiarity with providing financial support for construction projects, operations, utilities and general maintenance for facilities services in higher education.

Responsibilities

Managing the day-to-day finances.
Ensuring budgets are set up properly and adjustments are made timely.
Providing specialized analysis and administration of the budget.
Preparing and advising on operational and/or capital budgets for all Facilities Services units.
Providing analytical support for more complex budget projects.
Analyzing budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established departmental and University procedures, regulations, and objectives.
Verifying available funding for new contracts and contract changes.
Reviewing contractors’ pay applications to ensure support documentation is sufficient and complies with contract terms and Standard Operating Procedures.
Identifying and reporting any financial risk.
Fostering sound financial management of project budgets by conducting financial meetings with all stakeholders.
Preparing weekly financial reports, which includes written variance explanations and risk analysis based on actual results and collaboration with clients.
Recommending budget revisions, reallocations, and budget cuts to avoid or alleviate deficits.
Developing ad hoc reporting requests and monthly close activities such as ensuring contract encumbrances are accurate, recharge fees are properly recorded, and appropriate journal entries are booked.
Managing and overseeing fees and assessments.
Fostering planning and resource allocation by developing benchmarking tools that are useful to analyze expenses and budgets.
Preparing updates and contributing to the maintenance of the Finance Policy and Procedure Manual.
Supporting finance team members with reporting tools as needed.
Analyzing budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives.
Reporting on variances between the approved budget and actual performance and recommending revised procedures.
Performing other related work as needed.