Job Description:

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Manager, Financial Analysis, the Financial Analyst provides support for special projects, assists with ad hoc reporting and addresses requests for information to support the changing business needs of Facilities Services. He/she supports the University by recommending and implementing changes in analyses and budgetary methods and procedures as well as analysis and financial reporting.  Serving as a liaison with University and departmental financial administrators, the Financial Analyst has responsibility for compiling and monitoring all financial, budgeting, and accounting reporting.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for managing the day to day finances.
• Ensures that budgets are set-up properly and adjustments are made timely. 
• Prepares and advises on operational and/or capital budgets for all Facilities Services units.
• Provides analytical support for more complex budget projects.
• Analyzes budget estimates and proposals for completeness; accuracy; and conformance with established departmental and University procedures, regulations, and objectives.
• Verify available funding for new contracts and contract changes. 
• Reviews contractorsâ™ pay applications to ensure support documentation is sufficient and complies with contract terms, and Standard Operating Procedures. Identify and report any financial risk. 
• Fosters sound financial management of project budgets by conducting financial meetings with all stakeholders.
• Prepares weekly financial reports, which includes written variance explanations and risk analysis based on actual results and collaboration with clients.
• Recommend budget revisions, reallocations, and budget cuts to avoid or alleviate deficits.
• Responsible for developing ad hoc reporting requests and monthly close activities such as ensuring contract encumbrances are accurate, and recharge fees are properly recorded, and appropriate journal entries are booked. 
• Manage and oversee fees and assessments.
• Fosters planning and resource allocation by developing benchmarking tools that are useful to analyze expenses and budgets.
• Prepare updates and contributes to the maintenance of the Finance Policy and Procedure Manual.
• Support finance team members with reporting tools as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Decision Quality & Accountability
• Business Acumen
• Performance & Execution
• Partnership & Collaboration

Education, Experience or Certifications:

Education:

• BS/BA Accounting, Finance, or Economics OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience required.
• MBA, preferred.

Experience:

• Five years of progressive financial experience required.
• Financial and/or accounting experience in a University environment preferred.
• Experience in financial modeling required.

Certifications:

• N/A

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• High level of Business Objects knowledge required.
• Experience with e-Builder Project Management software preferred.
• Computer literate in Microsoft Word and other Microsoft Applications.  Advanced in Microsoft Excel, which includes advance usage of pivot tables, v-lookups, macros etc.   Previous experience developing relational databases (i.e. Access) required.
• Strong mathematical, analytical and problem-solving skills required.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented in order to track multiple open issues in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner required.
• Ability to be an analytical and critical thinker required.
• A capable and eager team-player willing to work well with others within a team oriented Finance team and demonstrates a professional and cooperative tone with team members and customers required.
• Ability to communicate, both verbally and written, with high level customers required.
• An ability to communicate a complex practice and issue at a practical level required.
• Must have initiative to question, identify, and improve processes/ practices required.
• Demonstrate ability to proactively provide innovative financial resources in order to assist customers in making sound financial decisions and resolve customer concerns and issues required.
• Must be able to provide accurate and timely information consistently required.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, high impact environment required. 
• Resourceful, flexible and able to anticipate and resolve problems effectively and efficiently. A capacity for understanding the relationship of specific tasks to the broader operation of the administrative functions required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to communicate with clarity, tact, and courtesy, and demonstrate judgment and discretion in the sharing of sensitive information required.
• Strong customer service orientation and the ability to work effectively with a wide variety of constituents, and the ability to work independently without close supervision required.
• Familiarity with providing financial support for constructions projects, operations, utilities and general maintenance for facilities services in higher education preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit and stand for two to four hours. 
• Ability to use computers extensively for two to four hours.

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• References

NOTE:  When applying, all required documents MUST be uploaded under the Resume/CV section of the application.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.