Senior Financial Analyst

The Aspen Institute•Washington, DC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Financial Analyst provides budgetary and financial support to a portfolio of Aspen Institute programs and is responsible for accounting compliance and financial analysis. The role supports grant accounting, budget facilitation, and financial analysis, interacting regularly with the Financial Manager, program staff, program administrators, business offices, and accounting operations. The position reports to the Financial Manager and is expected to work from the Washington, DC office at least two days per week to collaborate with colleagues. The role supports program budgeting, forecasting, grant administration, financial reporting, and analysis. It helps ensure grant and funding compliance, accurate accounting, and useful financial information for programs and senior management. The analyst also maintains financial models and templates, supports audits, and conducts ad hoc analyses and reconciliations as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, or a related field.
At least 3–4 years of experience in grant management, donor reporting, financial analysis, and budget forecasting.
Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and planning skills.
Excellent analytical skills.
Excellent Excel and other Microsoft Office skills.
Working knowledge of accounting principles and program implementation in nonprofit organizations.
Attention to detail and proven ability to work efficiently under pressure.
Ability to work independently, think analytically, conduct research and data analysis, and resolve complex problems.

Nice To Haves

Background in a nonprofit, research, or academic setting is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with standard accounting and budgeting systems is highly desirable.
Knowledge of database software is helpful.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with programs to prepare proposal and program budgets and submit them in Planful; support program staff in using Planful.
Process grant documents and maintain grant data in accounting and budget systems.
Work with program staff to maintain updated forecasts when material changes occur.
Assign accounting codes in accordance with the Institute’s program classification and NetSuite coding structure using Project Request Forms.
Investigate and report inconsistencies or improprieties, and research and resolve program inquiries in consultation with managers.
Allocate project expenses and process journal entries related to program revenues and expenses in assigned functional areas.
Update funding and budget data to assist in preparing financial materials for senior management.
Prepare funder and financial reports that meet funding terms and individual program needs.
Review and process grant agreements through internal approval, in collaboration with and with final approval of the grant manager, to support compliance with grant accounting policies and applicable U.S. government regulations.
Review sponsorship agreements and ensure their submission to Ironclad for due diligence review.
Update NPSP with grant information.
Obtain training on Planful, NetSuite, NPSP, and UKG, and become familiar with Tipalti and Concur.
Provide timely, relevant, and accurate reporting and analysis against historical, budgeted, and forecasted data to identify and manage financial issues.
Participate in monthly financial performance reviews with programs, including meeting preparation and follow-up.
Prepare and analyze standard monthly program reports, at minimum for preliminary and final reporting.
Work with programs to ensure funding compliance and proper accounting procedures for funder reporting.
Monitor allocated costs, including fringe, interest, and overhead charges, for accuracy and sound logic.
Review proposal budgets prepared by programs.
Use Planful reports to track, monitor, and understand actuals, budgets, and projections.
Provide supporting materials for year-end and other grant audits as needed.
Maintain and develop financial models and standard templates used in proposal, budgeting, and reporting processes; ensure quality and accuracy and analytically review preliminary materials.
Perform ad hoc analyses in response to emails, research, and meeting discussions.
Perform other assigned duties and reconciliations.