Financial Analyst

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

11d•$72,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Finance, Budget and Procurement, the Financial Analyst supports the financial operations of UChicago Professional (UCPro). The role analyzes and processes financial transactions, including supplier and customer invoices, employee expense reports, internal billing, and cash receipts. It follows standard procedures and uses professional judgment to resolve straightforward discrepancies, escalating more complex issues to the Director. The analyst contributes to month-end and year-end close and routinely analyzes payables and receivables data to identify trends and support process improvements. Working with the Director and central University offices, the analyst develops broad knowledge of UCPro's financial systems, processes, and stakeholders to help maintain accurate, compliant financial records. The position prepares reconciliations, accruals, supporting schedules, reports, dashboards, aging and exception reports, and ad hoc analyses. It processes purchase requests, invoices, billing, collections, expense reports, and other financial transactions using University systems and procedures; researches inquiries and discrepancies; and maintains records in accordance with audit and recordkeeping standards. Additional work includes special projects and other related duties as needed.

Requirements

College or university degree in a related field.
Two to five 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 external and internal 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 clearly 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.
Background in accounts payable, accounts receivable, or general accounting, preferably within 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 Oracle ERP and Concur.
Review accounts payable transactions and expense reports for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with University policies and procedures, correcting errors as identified.
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, well-documented records of transactions and account activity in compliance with University audit and recordkeeping standards.
Perform special projects as assigned by the Director, Finance, Budget and Procurement.
Prepare monthly reports, conduct and correct errors in accounts using established procedures, and advise on the financial impact of human resources and academic affairs decisions.
May work with other administrators on procurement, allocate expenditures for authorization, and advise in communications regarding funding agencies, subcontractors, and others at the instruction and direction of others.
Perform other related work as needed.