Principal Financial Analyst

University of Colorado•Denver, CO

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Financial Analyst supports University Information Systems (UIS) by providing financial and operational support to all members of the department. This position is responsible for working with the Assistant Director of Business Services to manage IT Governance projects and other project finances, which includes generating budget reports, providing data analysis, carrying out monthly close responsibilities, and preparing and delivering budget presentations. This position works independently and requires a thorough understanding of the department, its budgets, and various CU and UIS policies, procedures, and guidelines to be successful. The Principal Financial Analyst is expected to build high-trust and collaborative relationships with business partners, key stakeholders, and take initiative to identify and resolve financial and procurement challenges.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or equivalent professional experience (professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis).
Four (4) years’ professional experience in an operations development, office management, or financial analyst role which includes: Developing and analyzing customized and standardized financial reports.
Using enterprise financial software systems to complete budget reconciliations, journal entries, and financial research.
Experience in an outward facing customer service role.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the field of finance, non-profit management, or other related area.
Six (6) years’ professional experience as indicated above.
General understanding of the University of Colorado, including its organizational structure.
Familiarity with University of Colorado systems and procedures including Concur, CU Marketplace, PeopleSoft Applications, or similar databases.
Experience managing a budget(s) and providing financial analyses is highly desired.
Experience in finance, non-profit management, or higher education setting is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Provide fiscal and operational support to UIS, which includes purchasing, accounting, and overall financial management.
Generate custom and standardized financial reports and utilize information to track and monitor consultant progress on projects, reconcile financial transactions and balances to check accuracy, and ensure all financial transactions are recorded accurately, timely, and according to UIS and CU policies at monthly close; make correcting journal entries when needed.
Forward monthly financial data to UIS managers, directors, and leadership; work with managers, directors, and leadership to identify shortfalls, issues, and resolve discrepancies.
Consult and collaborate with budget managers to provide fiscal forecasting and modeling to ensure appropriate and effective budget usage of UIS funding and resources. Information and visualizations are delivered to UIS and System Leadership for use in strategic budgetary and operational decision making.
Assist and/or lead in managing the budgets and forecast modeling and report-outs for all UIS-related IT Governance projects. This includes regular meetings with campus financial analyst partners to understand and/or communicate updates on the budget components of these large-spend projects.
Work in conjunction with the Assistant Director to develop, prepare, submit, monitor, and close out approximately $55 million in UIS budgets based on long-term department objectives.
Work with team to develop various monthly and annual budget presentations utilizing PowerPoint and Visio tools based on budget and finance initiatives for leadership team.
Track licensing and contract renewals; work with UIS managers and ADs to correct issues, ensure processes are followed, and track costs against established budgets.
Assist in creating and supporting UIS chargeback models to campuses for target programs. This includes but is not limited to monthly charging, education on invoices, and annual reviews with campus partners and UIS Leadership.
Manage and oversee procurement activity for various projects which includes oversight and compliance through the lifecycle of the procurement process.
Collect and review procurement documents for compliance; identify issues and work with UIS employees, vendors, and the PSC to resolve.
Coordinate purchases of goods and services from requisition request through to the invoice payment; utilize CU Marketplace for purchasing and research purposes to include purchase order (PO) creation, maintenance, and invoice processing.
Work with UIS employees to collect documentation for expense reimbursements and submit information using the Concur Travel & Expense System; review documentation for compliance and work with employees to resolve issues; approve deviations from UIS policy as necessary.
Recommend enhancements and streamline current policies and procedures, including Business Services Service Catalog. Implement process improvements based on analysis and evaluation of current policies and procedures in comparison to research and/or finance and procurement best practices.
Experience using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solutions in support of customers and business processes.
Maintain current knowledge of generative AI technologies and identify practical applications for improving workflows.
Independently explore, evaluate and recommend new AI capabilities to support operational efficiency and innovation.
Serve as a back-up for the Financial Analyst and Assistant Director, as needed.
Manage special projects and tasks as assigned.

Benefits

No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays.
A dedicated week off for winter break.
6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.
Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.