POSITION SUMMARY:

Working independently under the direction of the Asst. Dir., Budget & Financial Reporting, the Lead Financial Analyst - Budget will have a lead role within the Planning & Analysis group in developing budgets and analyzing financial results.  This includes planning and coordination of the budget processes, analyzing actual results and trends, working with departments to develop budgets and developing forecasts to understand the causes behind observed results and trends, and other aspects of managing the use of unrestricted funds.  As part of the finance team, the Lead Financial Analyst will have policy analysis, interpretation and independent problem-solving responsibilities to complete projects as assigned by the Associate Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prepare and present evidence-based analysis of financial results for actual, budget and variances
• Interpret data for the purpose of determining past and current operational performance and/or to project a financial probability
• Identify trends and variances, explain causes and measure impact on department and campus missions and resources
• Conduct financial analysis, modeling, forecasting and reporting efforts to ensure efficient financial operations
• Consult with departments and other finance staff regarding budgeting, analyses, financial reports, irregular or unusual transactions and problem resolutions
• Assist in the development and monitoring of performance measures to provide cost effectiveness data for program evaluation
• Evaluate best practices for budgeting and assist in developing processes, formats and tools to efficiently collect and report budgets
• Consolidate submitted budgets for incorporation into campus plans
• Coordination of budgeting and reporting activities and functional supervision of other staff, including demonstrated ability to lead projects and teams that will improve the quality of the administrative functions of the University
• Develop instructions and train departments on budget processes and tools
• Interpret directives and assist with the development of procedures for carrying out
• Research business and financial problems, concerns or patterns, formulate conclusions and present timely recommendations.
• Provide functional supervision to department analysts and assist with leading and maintaining the effective operations of the Budget office to meet departmental goals.
• Act as a subject matter expert providing on-going guidance and training to lower level analysts. Monitor and analyze department work to develop more efficient procedures and use of resources while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Other duties and projects as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or other relevant major
• CPA and/or Master’s Degree in Accounting, Financial Analysis, Finance, Business or a related financial / analytical discipline preferred
• 7 years progressively responsible experience in gathering, analyzing and evaluating complex financial and operational information
• Strong ability to independently compile and analyze data, conduct trend analysis, forecast revenue and expenditures, and produce comprehensive reports
• Demonstrated analytical skills to research business and financial problems, collect relevant information, identify concerns or patterns, recognize alternatives and implications, formulate objective and conclusions and make timely recommendations
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office software and other operational / financial planning tools with ability to analyze and organize complex information in order to provide clear, comprehensive and complete financial reports and correspondence
• Ability to communicate clearly & effectively with staff at all levels of the organization
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and to organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines and target dates