Senior Financial Analyst

Senior Financial Analyst

The Senior Financial Analyst is responsible for providing advanced financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and business intelligence support to the University. This position develops financial models, dashboards, and analytical reports that assist University leadership in making informed operational and financial decisions.

The Senior Financial Analyst serves as a subject matter expert in financial reporting and data analytics, leveraging advanced Excel, Power BI, and ERP data extraction and reporting tools to transform institutional data into meaningful information. This position works collaboratively with departments across the University to improve reporting processes, ensure data integrity, and support financial planning activities.

Essential Functions

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Extract ERP data and utilize it to develop, maintain, and distribute recurring financial reports, dashboards, and performance metrics.
• Analyze budget-to-actual results and identify significant variances, trends, and financial risks.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial analyses for the office of the CFO.
• Develop complex financial models supporting budget development, enrollment analysis, departmental planning, and institutional initiatives.
• Perform ad hoc financial analyses in support of operational and executive decision-making.
• Prepare Board, leadership, accreditation, grant, and regulatory financial reports assigned.
• Assist in the annual operating and capital budget development process.
• Monitor departmental budgets and provide financial guidance to budget managers.

Business Intelligence & Data Analytics

• Design and maintain interactive Power BI dashboards and visualizations for institutional financial reporting.
• Develop and optimize data models utilizing Power BI, Excel Advanced Analysis and related Microsoft data tools.
• Extract, validate, transform, and analyze financial and operational data from the University's ERP and supporting systems.
• Utilize advanced Excel techniques, including Power Query, Power Pivot, PivotTables, XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, dynamic arrays, and financial modeling.
• Ensure the integrity, consistency, and accuracy of financial reporting data.
• Identify opportunities to automate recurring reports and improve reporting efficiency.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Participate in ERP reporting enhancements, testing, implementations, and system upgrades.
• Document reporting procedures and maintain reporting standards.
• Recommend improvements to financial reporting processes and data management practices.
• Collaborate with Information Technology and Business Office staff to improve reporting capabilities and data accessibility.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests by preparing financial analyses and supporting documentation.

Collaboration & Customer Service

• Partner with academic and administrative departments to understand reporting needs and provide analytical support.
• Explain financial reports and analytical findings to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Serve as a resource for financial reporting and data analysis throughout the University.
• Maintain confidentiality of institutional financial information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Analytics, Data Analytics, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in financial analysis, budgeting, accounting, institutional research, or business intelligence.
• Data Visualization tools experience required.
• Higher education or nonprofit financial experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling, PivotTables, Power Query, Power Pivot, dynamic arrays, XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and complex formulas.
• Advanced experience developing Power BI reports or comparable data visualization tools.
• Experience working with ERP financial systems; PeopleSoft experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze large and complex datasets while maintaining data accuracy and integrity.
• Strong statistical, quantitative, and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate technical financial information to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated initiative, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous process improvement.
• Ability to work independently while fostering collaborative relationships across the University.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Data Analytics, or related field.
• Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification or equivalent.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Financial Planning & Analysis Professional (FPAC) certification.
• Experience with higher education budgeting, fund accounting, grants, and restricted funds.

The University of Saint Thomas is committed to the religious, ethical, and intellectual traditions of Catholic higher education. As permitted by law, practicing Catholics who will advance the mission of the school are preferred for this position. However, the University invites all qualified applicants to apply.