Senior Budget Analyst (Confidential Administrative Support III)

CSU Careers • San Diego, CA

10h • $90,000 - $110,000 • Onsite

About The Position

San Diego State University is seeking a highly skilled and analytical professional to serve as a Senior Budget Analyst within the Office of the Provost, Academic Affairs. This position serves as a primary resource for non-faculty budget operations across Academic Affairs, working directly with colleges, academic units, and central administrative offices to support budget planning, analysis, and coordination. Operating with a high degree of independence, this role provides financial analysis, develops reporting, and supports division-level planning and decision-making. The position also leads resource management training efforts and contributes to process improvements that support consistent, effective budgeting practices across Academic Affairs. What You’ll Do: Serve as a Division Budget Resource: Act as a primary resource for non-faculty budget operations across Academic Affairs, providing guidance and support to colleges and academic units on budget processes, policies, and procedures . Lead Budget Planning and Coordination: Oversee key components of the Academic Affairs budget process, including salary and operating budgets, revenue projections, and allocation activities. Deliver Financial Analysis and Reporting: Develop, analyze, and prepare financial reports, including expenditure tracking, FTE variance analysis, and budget projections to support leadership decision-making. Develop Tools and Improve Processes: Design and maintain reporting tools and models using systems such as Excel and Adaptive, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and consistency in budget-related processes. Train and Support Resource Staff: Provide training, consultation, and ongoing support to college and unit resource personnel, helping to build knowledge, strengthen practices, and ensure alignment with division and university guidelines. Coordinate Complex Resource Activities: Manage and support key financial and personnel-related processes, including faculty startup funding, allocations, and other division-level resource management activities . Collaborate Across the University: Work closely with Academic Affairs leadership, college and unit staff, and central offices such as Budget and Finance and Human Resources to resolve fiscal, personnel, and policy-related issues. Support Strategic and Operational Initiatives: Contribute to division-wide initiatives, including shared services efforts and other projects that enhance resource management and operational effectiveness. Why Join SDSU? Support Students, Faculty, and Academic Programs Play a role in how resources are allocated to support students, faculty, and the programs that define the academic experience at SDSU. Be Part of a Mission-Driven Public University Join an institution committed to access, inclusive excellence, and serving the San Diego region through education, research, and community engagement. Work at the Intersection of People and Resources Collaborate with faculty, staff, and academic leaders to ensure resources are aligned with program needs and institutional priorities. Contribute Across Colleges and Academic Units Engage with stakeholders across the division, supporting consistent and effective resource management in a complex academic environment. Make an Impact Beyond the Numbers Your work supports decisions that affect teaching, learning, and the overall student experience—not just financial outcomes. As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU . Position Information Full-time, benefits-eligible, permanent/probationary position. Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. This individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego. Department Summary Academic Affairs at San Diego State University oversees the university’s colleges, academic programs, and faculty, supporting teaching, research, and student success across a diverse academic community. Within Academic Affairs, the Office of the Associate Vice President for Financial Operations manages fiscal, human, and facility resources for the division, including budget planning, resource allocation, and financial operations across colleges and academic units. The Resource Management team works closely with college leadership and central administrative offices to support effective financial planning and stewardship of resources. The team plays a key role in coordinating budget processes, providing financial analysis, and supporting consistent resource management practices that enable academic programs and initiatives across the university. For more information regarding Academic Affairs Financial Operations, click here .

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience working with complex budgets and/or financial analysis
• Demonstrated ability to independently analyze and resolve complex fiscal, personnel, and policy-related issues
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the development of complex financial models and reports
• Experience supporting or coordinating complex budget processes, including financial reporting and budget transactions
• Strong understanding of fund accounting principles and financial practices, preferably in higher education or a public sector environment
• Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures and recommend process improvements
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build working relationships across diverse stakeholders

Nice To Haves

• Experience with financial systems such as Oracle Financials, Adaptive, PeopleSoft, or similar platforms
• Experience with data visualization and reporting tools (e.g., Tableau or similar platforms)
• Experience with SQL or related query tools (e.g., Microsoft Query, Rapid SQL)

Responsibilities

• Act as a primary resource for non-faculty budget operations across Academic Affairs, providing guidance and support to colleges and academic units on budget processes, policies, and procedures
• Oversee key components of the Academic Affairs budget process, including salary and operating budgets, revenue projections, and allocation activities.
• Develop, analyze, and prepare financial reports, including expenditure tracking, FTE variance analysis, and budget projections to support leadership decision-making.
• Design and maintain reporting tools and models using systems such as Excel and Adaptive, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and consistency in budget-related processes.
• Provide training, consultation, and ongoing support to college and unit resource personnel, helping to build knowledge, strengthen practices, and ensure alignment with division and university guidelines.
• Manage and support key financial and personnel-related processes, including faculty startup funding, allocations, and other division-level resource management activities
• Work closely with Academic Affairs leadership, college and unit staff, and central offices such as Budget and Finance and Human Resources to resolve fiscal, personnel, and policy-related issues.
• Contribute to division-wide initiatives, including shared services efforts and other projects that enhance resource management and operational effectiveness.

Benefits

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees