Financial Analyst

Financial Analyst

This position reports to the CFO. Primary responsibility is to be a part of the financial analyst team that works with the CFO to provide data-driven, comprehensive financial analysis to strengthen transparency and accountability, as well as accurate forecasting and reporting. Works with team members to improve accuracy of models. As a part of a team works to analyze variances and root causes of those variances. Investigates and reports on anomalies and prepares correction entries if necessary. Communicates with team to ensure accurate projections and forecasts. Works with the Controller to support University-wide, timely monthly close procedures that support accurate data. Works with the Controller to ensure cross divisional compliance with month end close schedule to ensure month-end reports have all data recorded timely and accurately.

Salary: $74,549-$78,841 Annually

Essential Functions

• Provide data analysis, forecasting, and projections to the CFO to inform decision-making, assess institutional performance, and guide strategic direction
• Works as part of a Financial Analyst team to monitor and evaluate operating budget performance across departments; proactively identifies risks, recommends corrective actions, and ensures fiscal accountability. Works as a team to serve as subject-matter experts for departments on budget inquiries; provides data-driven insights, develops financial models, and recommends sustainable solutions
• Partners with both finance team members and budget managers to develop the budget for approval by the CFO and Cabinet for presentation to the board of trustees for approval at the May meeting
• Assists divisions with budget analysis and reporting
• Works collaboratively with the Controller to follow up with divisions to support the monthly close timeline, identifies bottlenecks and solutions in conjunction with the Controller to ensure a timely and accurate month-end close process.
• Under the guidance of the CFO, examines and interprets financial activity; performs variance analysis, root-cause investigations, and presents recommendations to University leadership
• Assists in the preparation of Board-related communications and meetings

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists with projects as assigned.
• Assists with year-end audit reconciliations and analysis as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Supports and assists in creating intersections for faculty, staff and students that will assist in transforming people's lives
• Supports and assists in creating an evolving culture of mentoring and rich engagement opportunities for faculty, staff, and students
• Maintains a commitment to mentorship, intersections and belonging with a high degree of cultural competence and respect for a wide range of identities and experiences, therefore welcoming and supporting all faculty, staff and students and expanding access to the AU experience
• Maintains a safe working environment within and around their facilities and associated equipment and supplies including, but not limited to, obtaining Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information pertaining to any hazards associated with their work environment
• Participates in all required assigned training, including safety training and will comply with safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Contributes to the overall success of the University by performing other duties as assigned
• Confidentially & Accuracy: This position has access to all account balances and student record information. Therefore, confidentiality is of the utmost importance in these areas. This information is handled on a daily basis. Student information is confidential because it contains the student's social security number and other personal information. This information should not be shared without appropriate authorization. This information can only be released to external people that the student has authorized. Only the authorized individual can release account information to the person, or persons listed in the chart of accounts. Accuracy and attention to detail is at the heart of every task. This position is subject to continuous interruptions and requires the ability to maintain concentration and focus along with a pleasing disposition
• Safety: Participate in safety training and comply with safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned

Qualifications-Education & Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Formal Education
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree required.
• Experience:
  • 5 years of budgeting, modeling and projecting experience required
• Knowledge:
  • A working functional knowledge of Accounting and ERP Systems such as STC Banner
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Procedures
  • Understanding of financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for leadership
  • Substantial working knowledge (education or work-related experience) of Project Management methodology and/or Business Process Analysis is essential
  • A working functional knowledge of Project Management Software such as Asana and AchieveIt
  • Demonstrated knowledge of strategic planning best practices
  • Understanding of higher education administration operations and best practices
  • Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Additional Knowledge/Skills:
  • Work/school records would confirm the existence of superior skills or attributes in the following areas: sound judgment, discretion, dependability, organizational and interpersonal skills, professional work output, energy and enthusiasm, ability to interact with all levels of the AU community and constituents, diplomacy, initiative, function independently with only occasional review and direction. Candidate must possess the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, open office environment and prioritize. Position requires the strictest level of confidentiality.
  • Machines: Fax, Copier, and Calculator
• Essential Functions: With or without reasonable accommodations the incumbent must be able to read and write and speak the English language at a college level, be capable of performing sometimes complex mathematical calculations, statistical calculations and other higher mathematical operations, must be able to communicate with all levels of the institution in written and spoken form. The individual must be able to work independently. The ability to maintain regular and prompt attendance is essential to the successful performance of this position.

Physical Demands & Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when required. A respiratory function test and the ability to use respirators may be required. Stairs and uneven surfaces may be present; artificial lifts, etc. may or may not be available. The position may require the incumbent to walk outdoors in all types of weather to other buildings or offices located on the campus. The Campus is located in an area that contains numerous hills and slopes and may not always be fully accessible for mobility impaired individuals.

About Alfred University

Lighting the way for students since 1836. "We've always been a place for makers, especially those who make the future. Our commitment to independent thinking, creativity, academic rigor and community have made us a unique kind of leader since 1836." Alfred University (AU) was founded on principles of social justice in 1836 by liberal, independent thinkers who placed high value on education for all citizens. The University has retained and built upon the strong values of its founders, developing as an institution of national and international renown that is responsive to the needs of contemporary society while remaining consistent with the spirit of its origins. Alfred University is the second oldest coeducational college in the United States as well as one of the earliest nineteenth century colleges to have enrolled African American and Native American students. It has a long-standing history of educating socially conscious students who make a difference in their professions and their communities. Over the course of the twentieth century, Alfred University evolved into a complex institution offering a full range of programs in the liberal arts and sciences, art and design, engineering, business, education, counseling, and school psychology to its nearly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students that live, learn, and play on a 232-acre campus located in an idyllic, creative valley in Western New York. To learn more, visit alfred.edu.

Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic