Senior Budget Analyst

About the position

Under the direction of the Assistant Dean for Budgeting and Financial Planning, the Senior Budget Analyst prepares the consolidated budget for the Division of the Physical Science, works with departments and centers to help them prepare their budgets; performs accounting data collection and analysis, financial reviews and historical trend analysis of related work, and develops and maintains policies and guidelines for accounting data collection and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Prepares the Division's budget by gathering, analyzing, and transferring financial data into comprehensive budget spreadsheets shared with departments across the Division
• Evaluates budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives
• Tracks budget performance by reviewing reports and accounting records ensuring that allocated funds are utilized effectively and appropriately
• Produces specific reports and analysis for various types of data used by the Associate Dean; collaborates with others to develop focused, effective reporting design and metrics
• Examines past budgets and performs research on economic and financial developments that affect spending; communicates progress and results to all stakeholders; understands the context and implications of all projects in addressing business needs
• Responds to requests for special reports and analyses of specific issues from throughout the Division
• Identifies current and future resource planning and allocation issues; develops, leads, and supervises complex studies and analyses that will assist senior staff in reaching resource planning and allocation decisions
• Responds to requests for all types of data (e.g., enrollment, faculty, admissions, etc.) from the Dean, Associate/Deputy Deans by analyzing data and information and interpreting the results to prepare reports
• Understands and clearly communicates the conclusions drawn from data analysis
• Designs and implements financial models to support budget planning, forecasting, resource allocation decisions
• Develops and applies financial models to forecast future trends and evaluate the potential impact of strategic initiatives
• Uses best practices and in-depth financial knowledge to assist in the preparation of annual budgets. Works with minimal guidance to provide analytical support for complex budget projects
• Reviews estimated expenditures. Develops expenditure projections and periodic budget variance reports. Prepares forecasts as well as analyses
• Provides specialized analysis and administration of the budget
• Has a deep understanding of operational budgets for departments or other operational units
• Reports on variances between the approved budget and actual performance and recommends revised procedures
• Performs other related work as needed

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree, MBA, or other advance degree
• Educational background with focus in business or related technical field
• Accounting, Finance, or equivalent experience
• Experience compiling data used for preparing budgets
• Experience verifying electronic records for data integrity
• Experience researching information
• Experience in a University setting or other complex not-for-profit organization
• Experience with record management systems
• Familiarity with Oracle ERP system
• Familiarity with Orbit reporting system
• Exposure to the University of Chicago Culture
• Knowledge of gifts, endowments, payroll, and student systems
• Strong financial modeling skills
• Knowledge of database development and/or structure maintenance
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Advanced Excel skills, able to manipulate data via sort, vlookup, IF statements, and pivot data

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.