Budget Analyst

About the position

We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Budget Analyst to join our team. In this role, you will work under the direction of the Assistant Director of Budget and Finance, playing a key part in managing the day-to-day financial operations of the largest academic unit on campus, which includes overseeing significant sponsored award expenses. You will be responsible for administering financial processes, procedures, and transactions with accuracy and compliance, while providing guidance and support to academic units and programs on budget allocations, expenditures, and financial policies. Additionally, you will assist with payroll processes and collaborate with internal departments to ensure smooth operations. Acting as a liaison between the College and central units, you will work closely with Human Resources, the Comptroller's Office, General and Restricted Accounting, Purchasing, Disbursements, Sponsored Programs, and Sponsored Accounting. You will also support the Dean's Office units with financial transactions and provide back-up assistance to staff in academic departments as needed. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments, managing multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who is passionate about higher education finance and enjoys working in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Assistant Directors to resolve budget questions, support projects and assist in requests from the Assistant Dean of Budget, Finance and Administration and the Office of Budget and Planning.
• Develop and employ extensive subject matter expertise.
• Analyze a variety of financial information from multiple funding sources for purposes of providing direction and support, making recommendations for maximizing use of funds and/or ensuring overall operations are within budget.
• Provide for the preparation of budgetary reports, special projects, and analyses as needed.
• Participate in annual budget process and long-range planning for the College.
• Serve as backup for the College budget team and share oversight of the College's day-to-day online administrative process of salaried staff, weekly student and non-exempt staff payroll preparation and approval.
• Cross train with team mates to promote knowledge sharing and mutual assistance.
• Provide guidance, solve problems, and answer questions.
• Process miscellaneous payroll payments to faculty and staff for various other departments and programs.
• Provide documentation, training, support, and guidance related to sponsored financials, payroll, and disbursements processes to newly assigned or less experienced College staff, ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Provide back-up support to academic departments as required.
• In collaboration with the Assistant Directors, administer and monitor budget allocations, expenditures, fund balances, transfers and carryover to College academic units and programs, ensuring accuracy and that fiscal practices, and policies are followed.
• Track and ensure accuracy of carryover balances impacting the College's committed carryover.
• Provide support, including the preparation of monthly financial analysis detail and summaries, and ongoing communication with departments regarding respective financial/budgetary operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and a minimum 4-6 years' experience in a budget role required.
• Advanced problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Able to work collaboratively with others, while maintaining independence.
• Ability to communicate complex information to a diverse audience in meaningful and understandable terms.
• Strong analytical skills with an extensive knowledge of spreadsheet applications.
• Demonstrated ability to readily access and apply relevant information.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with external award/grant funding management and processes preferred.