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Financial Analyst Specialist

Colorado State University

Colorado State University

Accounting & Finance, IT
Fort Collins, CO, USA
USD 80k-110k / year
Posted on Dec 12, 2025
Apply now

Financial Analyst Specialist

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Posting Details

Posting Detail Information
Working Title Financial Analyst Specialist
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202501767AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib III
Number of Vacancies 1
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $80,000-$110,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 12/18/2025
Description of Work Unit
Safety and Risk Services (SRS) is part of the University Operations portfolio. The Division of University Operations (DUO) oversees the systems and services that create a positive campus environment in support of the University’s instructional, research and engagement missions. DUO accomplishes this through leadership in organizational development and resource management. DUO encompasses all aspects of support in the areas of Human Resources, Facilities Management, Financial Management, and Safety and Risk Services. Our employees perform a wide range of functions including offering essential financial tools and support to the University’s many departments, providing key resources to employees, and keeping campus safe, clean, accessible and beautiful.

Safety and Risk Services’ mission is to collaborate with all campus constituents (students, staff, faculty, and visitors) and the surrounding community to safeguard life and health and mitigate threats to the university’s core mission of academic excellence, research, and public safety. SRS is comprised of the CSU Police Department, Emergency Management and Continuity, Environmental Health Services, Risk Management & Insurance, Clery Act Compliance, the University Policy Office, Parking and Transportation, Central Receiving and Surplus Property. SRS also has shared oversight for Public Information and Safety Communications. SRS fulfills its mission by providing a variety of professional services, technical assistance, training, and regulatory oversight.

SRS supports, and the Assistant Vice President for Safety and Risk Services and Chief Resilience Officer leads, the University’s strategic Enterprise Risk Management and Organizational Resilience framework approach to cultivating leadership, staff engagement, effective partnerships, situational awareness, innovation and proactive problem-solving to create a more resilient and agile university.

Additionally, this position will support Colorado State University’s Division of University Operations. The Division of University Operations serves the University through leadership in organizational development and sustainable resource management. The University Operations team utilizes the most efficient and innovative administrative practices while leveraging strategic partnerships with internal and external partners. The division plans and maintains the university’s buildings, grounds, and infrastructure through sustainable construction and renovations of existing buildings to support the university’s future growth. The budget and financial services teams coordinate and manage the university’s budget and financial processes supporting an operating budget of $1.3B and ensures that finite resources are deployed in an efficient, effective manner using sound financial practices. The members of the safety and risk services team promote safety on campus for our employees, students, and guests by assessing and mitigates risk to employees and students, including injury prevention and public safety services.
Position Summary
The Financial Analyst Specialist provides comprehensive financial management, accounting, and analytical support for Safety and Risk Services (SRS) within the Division of University Operations (DUO) at Colorado State University. This position is responsible for day-to-day accounting transactions, monthly close processes, financial reporting, budget management, and process improvements across multiple fund types.

In addition to supporting SRS, the position provides ancillary financial and analytical support to the Office of the Vice President for University Operations (VPUO) and the Office of the Vice President for Human Resources (VPHR), contributing to divisional financial planning, financial transaction support and reporting.

The successful candidate will bring 5–10 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education or government finance, demonstrate exceptional accuracy and customer service, and proactively identify opportunities to improve financial systems, workflows, and reporting transparency.

This position is based in Fort Collins, Colorado and requires a minimum of three days per week in the office. A hybrid schedule (up to two remote days) may be available depending on operational needs.
Required Job Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
  • 5–10 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, budgeting, or financial management in higher education, government, or a comparable organization.
  • Strong understanding of fund accounting, GAAP/GASB, and internal control principles.
  • Experience processing and reconciling transactions in enterprise-level financial systems.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and strong analytical and reporting skills.
  • Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, transparency, and excellent customer service.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Public Administration; CPA or CMA certification.
  • Experience developing or improving enterprise financial systems or analytical reporting tools.
  • Advanced proficiency with Power BI, AI or other data visualization platforms.
  • Demonstrated success implementing financial process improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, or service quality.
  • Familiarity with financial structures, policies, and practices in large universities or public-sector environments.
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category Accounting and Financial Transaction Processing
Duty/Responsibility
  • Process accounting transactions for Safety and Risk Services and affiliated DUO and HR units, including journal entries, expense transfers, internal orders, and billing activities.
  • Ensure timely and accurate posting of transactions across E&G, auxiliary, and self-funded accounts in accordance with GAAP, GASB, and CSU fiscal policy.
  • Own the monthly close checklist and balance-sheet reconciliations (cash, AR/AP, prepaid/deferrals, accruals); prepare variance analyses and certify close completeness.
  • Reconcile accounts, monitor balances, and resolve discrepancies to maintain financial integrity.
  • Maintain documentation to support audits and compliance reviews.
  • Support purchasing, travel, and procurement card reconciliation processes.
  • Assist with fiscal year-end closeout, accrual entries, and preparation of financial schedules.
Percentage Of Time 45
Job Duty Category Financial Management and Reporting
Duty/Responsibility
  • Prepare monthly and annual financial reports, variance analyses, and forecasts for the Assistant Vice President for Safety and Risk Services and unit directors.
  • Provide ancillary transaction support, reporting and analysis for the Vice President for University Operations and Vice President for Human Resources.
  • Track revenue, expenditures, and carryforward balances; identify and communicate budget trends.
  • Maintain cost models and support annual rate studies and fee reviews to ensure accuracy, compliance, and transparent cost recovery.
  • Support annual budget development and mid-year projections across assigned units.
  • Publish accessible dashboards for leadership and departments highlight
Percentage Of Time 25
Job Duty Category Financial Systems, Process Improvement, and Analysis
Duty/Responsibility
  • Evaluate and enhance financial and administrative processes within SRS.
  • Develop templates, financial models, and dashboards using Excel, Power BI, AI or other reporting tools.
  • Collaborate with enterprise finance offices (Budget, Controller’s Office, Procurement, IT) to strengthen system efficiency and data integrity.
  • Lead and implement process improvements within the position’s sphere of influence to increase accountability, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
  • Lead quarterly user-access and segregation-of-duties reviews; serve as internal audit liaison and track remediation to closure.
Percentage Of Time 15
Job Duty Category Customer Service and Collaboration
Duty/Responsibility
  • Provide responsive, professional support to SRS, DUO, and HR staff regarding financial inquiries and reporting needs.
  • Demonstrate a service-oriented approach that emphasizes collaboration, accuracy, and responsiveness.
  • Establish service level targets for transaction processing and report requests; monitor and report on performance.
  • Clearly communicate complex financial information to a range of audiences.
  • Participate in divisional and unit meetings, sharing financial insights to support planning and decision-making.
Percentage Of Time 15
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact Stephanie Tomasini, Stephanie.Tomasini@colostate.edu
EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested
Minimum Requested 3
Maximum Requested 3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
Optional Documents
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