Budget Analyst

Position Summary: The Budget Analyst conducts highly responsible work analyzing and managing financial resources within the University, ensuring efficient allocation and adherence to budgetary guidelines. This role protects the University’s interests by working within established financial guidelines to ensure fiscal accountability and responsibility, while providing quality customer service. The Budget Analyst will develop budgetary projections and review the status of the budget throughout the year, completing budgetary adjustments as needed. This position must also develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Key Responsibilities: • Budget Preparation: • Collaborate with University leadership and stakeholders to develop the University’s annual budget including producing complex reports and simplifying those projections for presentation to leadership. • Review budget proposals and requests for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with the University’s guidelines and financial best practices. • Summarize budget requests, ensure all necessary information is provided, conduct research when needed. • Offer insight and recommendations, as appropriate, regarding new funding requests and ways to improve the University’s financial position. • Estimate future financial needs based on the current financial climate, legislative changes, market conditions, contracts, and known University needs. • Defend budget decisions to University management and stakeholders. • In partnership with the University’s Comptroller’s Office and Financial Affairs leadership, develop and maintain a chart of accounts that allows for appropriate tracking and reporting of department budgets and expenditures. • Budget Maintenance: • Monitor spending to ensure compliance with the approved annual budget. • Maintain expenditure controls through spend tracking and periodic reporting, including budget modifications and transfers when needed. • Maintain awareness of the current budgetary situation and escalate to leadership any concerns on shortfalls or overages that require attention. • Enter and maintain budget information in the University’s ERP system. • Produce training materials to assist University staff with reviewing and complying with their approved budget. • Assist with the development of budget-related University policies and procedures. • Analysis: • Conduct cost-benefit analyses to determine return on investments. • Prepare regular and special budget reports as needed. • Represent the Budget team in the resolution of budgetary problems; determining recourse where possible; preparing correspondence to begin the resolution process; and seeking leadership assistance as needed. • Compile information from various sources to prepare reports and ensure that required reports are submitted accurately. • Maintain files for as required for auditing purposes; providing auditors with information as requested. • Stay abreast of applicable laws, regulations, policies, statutes, and best practices that impact the budgeting and financial management profession. • Analyze data and make recommendations for improving current processes. • Assist leadership staff by bringing unusual problems to their attention, or matters requiring escalation. Qualifications: • Education: A bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, economics, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent work experience in financial management, accounting, or a related area will also be considered. • Experience: Prior experience in preparing budgets and monitoring expenditures in large organizations. Familiarity with data analysis, development of presentations, and ERP software is preferred • Skills: Strong organizational abilities; attention to detail focused on the accuracy of financial reporting; proficiency in financial reporting software, databases, and the Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel; the ability to function well independently and in a team environment; and excellent communication skills. • Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards.