Department

PSD Budget & Finance

About the Department

The Physical Sciences Division (PSD) has a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in the physical and mathematical sciences, and this tradition of innovation continues today. Our inquiry and impact spans from the edge of the observable universe to human-computer interaction, from biophysical materials science to the geologic record of seawater composition, from gravitational waves to geometric flows, and beyond. The division includes the academic departments of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geophysical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics. In addition, PSD includes a number of interdisciplinary research institutes and centers, including the Data Science Institute, Enrico Fermi Institute, the James Franck Institute, and the Kavli Center for Cosmological Physics. Many of our scientists have joint appointments at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory as well as joint affiliations with other Chicago-based research institutions such as the Toyota Technological Institute of Chicago, and the Field Museum. Our students build connections with world-leading scientists, collaborate across disciplines, and enjoy the dynamic Chicago and University communities.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Finance, the Senior Budget Analyst prepares the consolidated budget for the Division of the Physical Sciences, works with departments and centers to create and update financial models, and helps departments prepare their budgets. The Senior Budget Analyst performs accounting data collection and analysis, financial reviews and historical trend analysis of related work, and develops and maintains policies and guidelines for accounting data collection and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Prepares the Division’s annual budget by gathering, analyzing, and compiling financial data into spreadsheets shared with departments, and provides specialized analysis and administration of the budget
• Evaluates budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives
• Tracks budget performance by reviewing reports and accounting records ensuring that allocated funds are utilized effectively and appropriately
• Produces specific reports and analysis for various types of data used by the Associate Dean; collaborates with others to develop focused, effective reporting design and metrics
• Examines past budgets and performs research on economic and financial developments that affect spending; communicates progress and results to all stakeholders; understands the context and implications of all projects in addressing business needs
• Responds to requests from across the Division, including the Dean and Associate/Deputy Deans, for special reports and data (such as enrollment, faculty, and admissions), analyzing and interpreting results to prepare clear reports
• Identifies current and future resource planning and allocation issues; develops, leads, and supervises complex studies and analyses that will assist senior staff in reaching resource planning and allocation decisions
• Understands and clearly communicates the conclusions drawn from data analysis
• Designs, implements, and maintains financial models to support budget planning, forecasting, and resource allocation, and to evaluate the potential impact of strategic initiatives
• Reviews estimated expenditures. Develops expenditure projections and periodic budget variance reports. Prepares forecasts as well as analysis
• Has a deep understanding of operational budgets for departments or other operational units
• Reports on variances between the approved budget and actual performance and recommends revised procedures
• Performs other related work as needed

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:        

• MBA, or other advanced degree
• Educational background with focus in business or related technical field

Experience:       

• Demonstrated experience building financial models
• Advanced Excel skills, able to manipulate data via sort, VLOOKUP, IF statements, and pivot data
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office  

• Accounting, Finance, Budgeting, Financial Analysis, or related experience
• Experience compiling data used for preparing budgets
• Experience verifying electronic records for data integrity
• Experience researching information
• Experience in a University setting or other complex not-for-profit organization
• Familiarity with Oracle ERP system
• Familiarity with Orbit reporting system
• Familiarity with SmartView
• Familiarity with a higher education environment Understanding of how gifts, endowments, and payroll flow into departmental budgets

Preferred Competencies

• Strong practical knowledge of financial analysis methodologies
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong communication skills—be able to tell a story in understandable manner to the non-financial individual.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, independently develop and evaluate options, and translate findings into operational objectives
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels
• Ability to work closely and effectively with senior University leadership
• Intellectual versatility and creativity
• Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to interact with a diverse workforce
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision
• Flexibility and ability to work effectively and gracefully under considerable time pressure on high visibility, high-stakes projects
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule; Will be required to be onsite one day a week and/or as needed
• Occasional extended or non-standard hours may be required during peak periods, such as annual budget preparation, fiscal year-end close, and urgent leadership requests

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$95,000.00 - $110,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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