Chicago, IL, USA
5 days ago
Senior Budget Analyst

Department

PSD Budget & Finance


About the Department

The Physical Sciences Division (PSD) has a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in the physical and mathematical sciences, and this tradition of innovation continues today. Our inquiry and impact spans from the edge of the observable universe to human-computer interaction, from biophysical materials science to the geologic record of seawater composition, from gravitational waves to geometric flows, and beyond. The division includes the academic departments of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geophysical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics. In addition, PSD includes a number of interdisciplinary research institutes and centers, including the Data Science Institute, Enrico Fermi Institute, the James Franck Institute, and the Kavli Center for Cosmological Physics. Many of our scientists have joint appointments at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory as well as joint affiliations with other Chicago-based research institutions such as the Toyota Technological Institute of Chicago, and the Field Museum. Our students build connections with world-leading scientists, collaborate across disciplines, and enjoy the dynamic Chicago and University communities.


Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Finance, 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 compiling and transferring financial data into budget spreadsheets which are provided to departments throughout the Division.

Analyzes budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives.

Monitors the budget by reviewing reports and accounting records to determine if allocated funds are being spent 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 in order to prepare reports.

Understands and clearly communicates the conclusions drawn from data analysis.

May be involved in long-range financial planning.

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.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:        

Bachelor’s degree, MBA, or other advance degree.

Educational background with focus in business or related technical field.

Experience:       

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.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Strong financial modeling skills.

Knowledge of database development and/or structure maintenance.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Strong Excel skills, able to manipulate data via sort, v-look up, parse, and pivot data.

Preferred Competencies

Strong practical knowledge of financial analysis methodologies.

Strong interpersonal skills.

Strong communication skills—be able to tell a story in understandable manner to the non-financial individual.

Demonstrated ability to think strategically, independently develop and evaluate options, and translate findings into operational objectives.

Ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels.

Ability to work closely and effectively with senior University leadership.

Intellectual versatility and creativity.

Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to interact with a diverse workforce.

Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.

Flexibility and ability to work effectively and gracefully under considerable time pressure on high visibility, high stakes projects.

Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.

Working Conditions

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule; will be required to be onsite one day a week and/or as needed.

Ability to work non-traditional hours when necessary.

Application Documents

Resume (required)

Cover Letter (preferred)


When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family

Financial Management


Role Impact

Individual Contributor


Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5


Drug Test Required
 

No


Health Screen Required
 

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No


Pay Rate Type

Salary


FLSA Status

Exempt


Pay Range

$90,000.00 - $105,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.


Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or 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 Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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: http://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.

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