Senior Financial Analyst

START EARLY•Chicago, IL

9d•$69,000 - $82,000

About The Position

Start Early is a champion for early learning and care from a child’s very first moments, so every child has the opportunity to thrive in school and life. Our desire to close the opportunity gap and create more inclusive experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy, and research through partnerships nationwide. We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication. Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do. The Senior Financial Analyst supports the Finance Division by managing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for assigned divisions, and by ensuring that grant-funded and general operating expenditures comply with funder requirements and regulations. This role partners with division and program leadership to translate funder budgets into fiscal-year operating plans, monitor spending against approved budgets, oversee sub-contract financial compliance, and provide accurate, timely financial information to support sound organizational decision-making.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
3 -5 years of experience in finance or a related industry, including experience with federal grants and compliance requirements.
Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Operational knowledge of general ledger software.
Knowledge of federal grant accounting and regulations relating to expenditure responsibility, including 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Guidance, Cost Principles and Single Audit requirements.
Ability to budget multiple funding sources across multiple reporting units.
Advanced skills with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams)
Staff in this role are expected to use approved AI tools as part of their regular work and to apply them in ways that improve the quality and efficiency of financial processes. This position requires demonstrated skill in using AI tools responsibly and effectively to support day-to-day responsibilities.
Ability to understand, analyze and interpret financial information in varying formats, including general ledgers
Must be able to work extended hours during peak periods.
Ability to work with diverse staff and interface with all levels of management.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, address shifting priorities, exercise independent judgment, and accomplish assignments in a timely manner.
Ability to exercise discretion in handling and protecting confidential information and materials.
Excellent written and oral communication skills; demonstrated ability to articulate complex ideas, thoughts, and concepts clearly and effectively.
Effectively establish and maintain effective relationships with customers and gain their trust and respect.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with early childhood funding such as Head Start, ECBG, Preschool For ALL, and Prevention Initiative is preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitor the budget and spending status of assigned divisions and report on financial results to key stakeholders.
Understand complex funding streams and cost allocation plans.
Prepare, monitor, and analyze financial information, including budgets, amendments, expense reports, grant reapplications, and proposals, to ensure the ongoing management of finances meets approved budgets and funder reporting requirements.
Work with division personnel to produce accurate budgets, forecasts, and financial reports for monthly, quarterly, and annual submittals.
Compile and review annual budget submissions for accuracy and assist with converting funder budgets into fiscal-year operating budgets.
Perform periodic ad hoc reporting and analysis for management.
Ensure that expenses are allocated according to the cost allocation plan and are allowable, necessary, and reasonable under 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) and/or GATA when applicable.
Review requisitions and expense submittals for account coding accuracy, proper cost allocation, proper expense documentation and funder requirements.
Research and prepare adjusting journal entries during monthly and year-end closing cycles.
Maintain tracking of sub-contracts.
Implement sub-contracts financial activities, review sub-contract budgets at submission and throughout the year, and ensure program expenditures remain within budget and comply with funder regulations.
Orient and provide technical assistance to staff and/or sub-contracts on fiscal and financial procedures and required documentation.
Ensure financial records meet all funder and organizational requirements.
Review changes to funder policies and procedures and attend related trainings.
Perform other related duties as assigned, which may include travel to community partner programs less than 20% of the time.