Budget Business Analyst

University of Southern California - Los Angeles, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Los Angeles, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The University of Southern California's (USC) Department of University Relations, TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS) Program is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and enterprising professional for the position of Budget Business Analyst. The Budget Business Analyst will play a crucial role in supporting the financial management and daily operations of the three TRIO Educational Talent Search grants. This position is essential for ensuring that the financial aspects of the program are managed effectively and efficiently, contributing to the overall success of the ETS initiative. The Budget Business Analyst will be responsible for administering and analyzing ETS budgets, monitoring income and expenses, developing financial projections, and authorizing financial commitments. This role requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to identify and research financial variances and trends, reporting findings to the supervisor. The analyst will also project future budget performance based on operational knowledge, ensuring that the program remains financially viable and compliant with all regulations. In addition to financial oversight, the Budget Business Analyst will perform various technical, clerical, and administrative tasks related to operating budgets. This includes handling sponsored research accounts, requisitions, purchase orders, travel documents, transfer request forms, and other business-related documents. The analyst will assist staff with financial transactions through Workday, interact with the TRIO Business Manager and vendors, process invoices, and prepare monthly expense reports. Maintaining confidentiality and controlling access to sensitive information is paramount in this role. The Budget Business Analyst will also assist with the onboarding process for student workers and temporary staff, serve as a backup to the TRIO Business Manager, and assist the ETS Program Manager with budget preparation. Maintaining internal accounting records, reconciling account balances, and developing and maintaining electronic databases for reporting purposes are also key responsibilities. The analyst will provide technical support to ensure compliance with the Department of Education and USC policies, performing other related duties as required. This position will report to the Educational Talent Search's Program Manager and will work closely with a team of other professional staff members.

Responsibilities

• Administering and analyzing ETS budgets.
• Monitoring income and expenses, developing financial projections, and authorizing financial commitments.
• Identifying and researching financial variances and trends, reporting findings to the supervisor.
• Projecting future budget performance based on operational knowledge.
• Performing technical, clerical, and administrative tasks related to operating budgets, including handling sponsored research accounts, requisitions, purchase orders, travel documents, transfer request forms, and other business-related documents.
• Assisting staff with financial transactions through Workday.
• Interacting with the TRIO Business Manager and vendors, processing invoices, and preparing monthly expense reports.
• Ensuring confidentiality and controlling access to sensitive information.
• Assisting with the onboarding process for student workers and temporary staff, as needed.
• Serving as a backup to the TRIO Business Manager and assisting the ETS Program Manager with budget preparation.
• Maintaining internal accounting records and reconciling account balances.
• Developing and maintaining electronic databases and records for reporting purposes.
• Providing technical support to ensure compliance with the Department of Education and USC policies.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.
• One year experience in a directly related office financial role to provide knowledge of accounts payable, income and expense accounting and reconcilement, and budget preparation.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent, with coursework in business administration.
• Two years of office financial experience with federally funded grants.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and office equipment.
• Strong data management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and resource management.
• Effective workload management and prioritization.
• Quick response and problem-solving abilities.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to coordinate and maintain a complex calendar.
• Ability to work well under deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Special project coordination skills.

Benefits

• Hourly rate of $34.43.
• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including health, wealth, and future protection.