Financial Analyst

Argonne National Laboratory•Lemont, IL

About The Position

Argonne National Laboratory seeks a talented and highly motivated Financial Analyst to join a team of finance professionals providing budget, financial analysis, planning, cost review, and forecasting support for multiple organizations. The position is based in the Budget Office and supports project cost review, budget preparation, financial analysis, and coordination of activities across direct-funded research projects and indirect organizations, approximately equally split. The analyst prepares and interprets financial reports and cost data, supports budget and financial information management, and recommends actions based on detailed analysis. The role monitors project spending, investigates variances and discrepancies, and coordinates the financial administration of institutional subawards. It also supports proposal cost estimates and financial documentation, collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, independently researches financial questions, and recommends or implements automated tools to improve efficiency. This is a regular, full-time Professional Administrative position at the Financial Analysis 2 profile level. The expected hiring range is $60,750.00–$94,770.00. Comprehensive benefits are part of Argonne’s total rewards package. Employment offers are contingent on an individualized background check; the position may also require government access authorization. Argonne employees and certain guest researchers and contractors are subject to restrictions regarding participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of related experience, or equivalent.
Knowledge of financial planning and analysis principles and procedures related to budget development and cost monitoring.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including managing multiple tasks, prioritizing effectively, tracking projects, and recognizing and analyzing anomalies with minimal supervision.
Experience managing and querying information, including using SI tools, to analyze and present financial data.
Adaptability to new procedures and technologies.
Excellent interpersonal skills for building effective working relationships with staff at all levels, within and outside the organization.
Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey complex information effectively.
Ability to interpret and apply financial policies, procedures, and requirements, and offer guidance as needed.
Experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and modeling, and understanding of financial processes to identify and implement improvements.
Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Nice To Haves

Comfort navigating and operating within laboratory policies, processes, and government regulations.
Understanding of direct and indirect cost allocation, full cost recovery budgeting, and financial procedures.
Familiarity with business systems such as Workday Financials, Coupa, Concur, and Power BI, or comparable financial management systems.

Responsibilities

Prepare financial reports and interpret cost data to provide insights to operations and research personnel and sponsors.
Support the development and maintenance of budget information and financial data, and provide financial assistance to staff.
Recommend actionable plans and decisions based on detailed financial analysis.
Monitor project spending, analyze variances, address funding challenges, and resolve financial discrepancies.
Coordinate financial administration of institutional subawards, including initial award setup, funding authorizations, modifications, and related documentation.
Develop cost estimates and financial documentation for proposal submissions and agreements under guidance.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including accounting, researchers, procurement, financial management, and HR, as well as external research partners such as universities and other national laboratories.
Independently research financial questions, investigate discrepancies, and recommend appropriate solutions.
Recommend and implement automated financial tools and coordinate information needs to enhance efficiency.