Financial Analyst: Tickle College of Engineering - UTK

Financial Analyst

Reporting to the Director of Data Analytics & Technology Transformation, the Financial Analyst provides advanced financial, budgeting, planning, forecasting, and operational support for the Tickle College of Engineering (TCE). This position serves as a key advisor to the Director of Data Analytics & Technology Transformation in developing and administering annual operating budgets, monitoring financial performance, preparing complex analyses and reports, and guiding strategic decision-making through forecasting and scenario modeling.

The Financial Analyst serves as the subject matter expert for budgeting and forecasting systems, maintains the integrity of financial data across multiple modules, and ensures responsible stewardship of restricted and unrestricted funds in alignment with institutional priorities, regulatory requirements, and long-term strategic goals. The position supports the decision-making of the Dean, Dean's Cabinet, department heads, and directors. The role also provides management of financial operations, compliance, and staff support functions, while fostering effective communication, process improvement, and collaboration across the college and central university offices.

Responsibilities

Budget Development and Strategic Financial Planning (35%)

Leads the college's annual budget development process by coordinating planning activities, developing financial models and budget scenarios, administering the DASH EPM budgeting system, and ensuring accurate integration of personnel and operating budgets. Serves as the college's primary resource for strategic financial planning, supporting leadership in the effective allocation of financial resources to meet institutional priorities.

Financial Monitoring, Reporting, and Variance Analysis (35%)

Provides comprehensive financial oversight through ongoing monitoring of revenues and expenditures, development of financial reports and dashboards, reconciliation of financial data, and analysis of budget variances. Produces recurring and ad hoc reports that provide leadership with timely, accurate financial information to support operational and strategic decision-making while ensuring financial integrity across college operations.

Forecasting, Scenario Modeling, and Decision Support (15%)

Performs advanced financial forecasting, trend analysis, and scenario modeling to evaluate the fiscal impact of strategic initiatives, enrollment changes, personnel actions, and other business decisions. Provides data-driven recommendations that support college leadership in long-range planning, resource management, and informed decision-making.

Financial Operations, Compliance, and Administration (15%)

Supports the college's financial operations by providing expert guidance on university financial policies, ensuring compliance with institutional procedures, improving business processes, maintaining the integrity of financial systems, resolving complex data issues, and serving as a primary resource for financial reporting and operational analysis. Promotes operational efficiency, accountability, and continuous process improvement across the college.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business or other closely related field from accredited institution.

• Experience:

  • 5 years of progressive finance or accounting experience

  • 5 years of experience involving financial analysis, budgeting, and modeling

  • 5 years of experience using ERP and business intelligence software for data aggregation, analysis, budgeting, and modeling

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Possess exceptional computer and analytical skills with the ability to translate raw data into information and knowledge through the use of reports and graphical displays.

  • Knowledge of data warehouse methodologies, data modeling, and analytics.

  • Ability to identify risks associated with budget actions and determine the cause and effect of scenarios.

  • Possess working knowledge of ERP software and the related data warehouse reporting component.

  • Possess working knowledge of business intelligence software such as PowerBI, PowerQuery, Argos, Oracle Suite (ERP-EPM)

  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Python

  • Possess organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

  • Possess strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate financial data in an understandable way to college leadership, faculty and staff.

  • Ability to manage projects and facilitate successful and timely completion.

  • Ability to direct the work of others.

  • Ability to self-direct work and be self-motivated.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in accounting, finance, business, or other closely related field from accredited institution

• Experience: Experience in a research-intensive (R1) university or national laboratory.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Proficient with Oracle ERP & EPM

  • Proficient with PowerBI and PowerQuery

  • Working knowledge of SQL

  • Working knowledge of Claude

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville

• Hybrid

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR13
• Anticipated hiring range: $85,000-$95,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About The College

The Tickle College of Engineering (TCE) is one of the nation's leading public engineering colleges, advancing education, research, innovation, and industry partnerships while preparing future engineering leaders. Since 1838, the Tickle College of Engineering has proven its commitment to excellence in scientific research and the training of engineering professionals. Programs spanning most major engineering fields are offered, with several nationally ranked among the top 30 of all public institutions. Many of our graduates have risen to top positions in industry, government, and academia, including nine astronauts who have literally risen, spending a collective 1,000 days (and counting!) in space. You can read more about TCE here.

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employeesthe Volunteerswho uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone. The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates