Financial Analyst
University of Chicago
Department
Provost Budget Operations
About the Department
Job Summary
Responsibilities
- Serves as the primary Budget Office liaison to financial administrators in several University units as assigned.
- Assists in the development of operating budget targets for major units and reviews submitted budgets for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with University budget procedures.
- Works closely with units to understand actual to budget variance and develop recommendations for programmatic changes or cost containment strategies to avoid deficits.
- Assists in the development, interpretation and implementation of highly complex financial/accounting concepts and advanced techniques for financial planning and forecasting.
- Performs business case analyses and provides quantitative modeling support for various financial management projects in the Budget Office and the Office of the Provost.
- Prepares presentations to convey financial and administrative matters to leadership and members of the University community.
- Creates financial models that employ scenario analysis for future University planning and budgeting decisions.
- Develops and implements metrics and methodologies toolkits for evaluating financial performance for both the University and specific administrative and academic units.
- Coordinates with all levels of management and individuals across the University to gather, analyze, summarize, and prepare recommendations regarding financial plans, operating forecasts and other complex financial matters, with increasing autonomy.
- Builds and maintains complex financial models using Excel, Oracle, and other analysis and reporting tools and systems as necessary.
- Works closely with information technology staff to improve budgeting and financial reporting systems and tools.
- Participates in use case testing for changes to university budgeting and financial management systems and works closely with information technology staff to support desi
- Supports the drafting of budgets, providing analytical support for routine budget projects and analyzing budget estimates and proposals. Ensures budget proposals are accurate, complete, and in compliance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives.
- Researches past budgets and economic and financial developments that affect spending, and prepares budget summaries for management.
- Drafts analyses for proposed plans and devises possible alternatives if the projected results are unsatisfactory. Periodically monitors the budget by reviewing reports and accounting records to determine if allocated funds have been spent as specified.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or equivalent.
- Master’s degree in a related field. MBA, MA/MPP, Master of Accounting, MS in Finance, Statistics, etc.
Experience:
- Previous experience in accounting, finance, or a related field.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Demonstrated analytical and quantitative modelling abilities.
- Excellent computing skills with strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Familiarity with database software applications and statistical analysis tools.
Preferred Competencies
- Analytical and Quantitative Skills - analyze financial data, create reports, develop financial models, and conduct basic statistical analysis to support business decisions.
- Communication Skills - strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to explain financial concepts clearly and collaborate with various teams.
- Project Management and Organization - capable of managing tasks, meeting deadlines, coordinating projects, and supporting system updates with organizational efficiency and autonomy.
- Financial Acumen - knowledge of budgeting, financial management, forecasting, and compliance standards to evaluate performance and variance analysis.
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making - assess variances, recommend solutions, and optimize forecasting and cost strategies based on analysis.
- Collaboration and Teamwork - build relationships, work as part of a team, and contribute to process improvements.
- Results Orientation and Detail Focus - committed to accuracy, efficiency, attention to detail, and achieving objectives independently and autonomously.
Working Conditions
- This role may be hybrid with the expectation of 2-3 days per week on campus.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (preferred)
- References Contact Information (3)(required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Role Impact
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Pay Rate Type
FLSA Status
Pay Range
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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