Senior Financial Analyst, Financial Planning and Analysis and Debt Capital Markets

About the position

The University of Chicago is looking for a Senior Financial Analyst who will serve as a member of the finance team and will assist University-wide decision support through strategic financial analyses, debt management, and debt compliance. The position will be engaged with internal constituents across the University, as well as external constituents including auditors, investment banks and rating agencies. The position will provide critical support for the University's finance leadership and impact short-term and long-term strategic decisions. In partnership with the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis and Debt Capital Markets, the Financial Analyst will support the management of a $4.9 billion debt portfolio (as of FY24), a taxable commercial paper program, and liquidity management. The Senior Financial Analyst will ensure fulfillment of compliance obligations and assist with crafting University financial policies.

Responsibilities

• Partners with the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) and Debt Capital Markets in producing various long-term forecasting models and analysis needed for the highest level of decision support for the Consolidated University.
• Engages various stakeholders throughout the University, Medical Center and Marine Biological Laboratory to analyze data and scenario plan for the downside and upside impact of initiatives and external factors like inflation, rising interest rate environment, labor force pressures, global crisis, and a federal government shutdown.
• Conducts analyses and makes recommendations that support decisions beneficial to the University, often presented to the Board of Trustees for information sharing and/or formal approvals.
• Leads the development of periodic reporting for use by leadership and the Board, including current-year projections of financial performance and dashboards.
• Mentors and assists other analysts and University employees in debt management, debt compliance, financial planning, and modeling.
• Assists with the development of financial policies and guidelines, particularly around the implementation and use of the chart of accounts and financial reporting for the new Oracle ERP system.
• Plays a key role in the execution of bond transactions.
• Independently oversees and conducts various logistics and deliverables for rating agencies including quarterly liquidity reports and annual questionnaires.
• Ensures timely payment of debt service, swap payments, and fees, and maintains account balances.
• Records accounting entries on a monthly, quarterly, and as needed basis including interest, investment earnings, moneys received, and swap fair values.
• Supports the University's overall debt management and debt-related efforts including financial analyses of the University's existing debt and interest rate derivative portfolio.
• Assists with the University's $600 million taxable commercial paper program, tracking of capital project expenditures and forecasts, and bond reimbursements.
• Manages the University's debt compliance program including continuing disclosure obligations and private business use.
• Maintains or skillfully uses external databases including DAC, Archibus, Business Objects, and Oracle/Orbit.
• Partners with Director to complete audit responsibilities related to the University's debt and works with the auditor to resolve any inquiries.
• Assists Director in preparing materials for Board meetings, including for the Financial Planning Committee, Executive Committee, and Ad Hoc committee.
• Identifies and addresses areas for process improvement within finance and treasury operations.
• Delivers ad-hoc reporting and analysis as needed to support the finance and treasury teams.
• Works independently to maintain and support the planning and execution of financial strategy.
• Reviews estimated expenditures, develops expenditure projections and periodic budget variance reports, and prepares forecasts.

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

• Undergraduate or master's degree in a STEM, business, accounting or economics field.
• Experience in higher education finance, corporate or municipal finance, treasury management, and/or accounting.
• Fluency in using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Working knowledge with Oracle Cloud or other ERP system.
• Strong quantitative skills and demonstrated understanding of banking and tax-exempt and taxable debt concepts.
• Familiarity with GAAP financial statements.

Benefits

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