Financial Analyst II/III (DOQ)

Definition of Classification :

This position is responsible for providing analysis and support for various Department Managers, Deans, Cabinet members, Board Committees and the University.

This position involves analyzing financial data, preparing forecasts and budgets, conducting variance analysis, assisting with timely month end closes, and providing actionable recommendations.

Reports to and receives direction from the Senior Budget Officer and Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, this position plays a key role in financial planning, analysis, and decision support to management.

May also receive direction from the Senior Financial Analysts.

This position may require flexibility to work evening and weekend hours as well as the ability to travel, occasionally, as required.

Duties and Responsibilities :

The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Developing and Maintaining complex Budget Models, including :
• Student Revenue Models
• Works with Enrollment Team and Deans to develop projected enrollments over a multi-year period.
• Gains an understanding of each program, including how students flow through the program, credits taken, and unique aspects of the program including special fees, financial aid, etc.
• Routinely updates models as reconciles to actual results.
• Expenditure Models
• Includes assisting Deans with Faculty Load Analysis and development of Faculty Salary Budgets for assigned divisions.
• Program Expenditure Models for proposed new and existing programs.
• Non-Personnel Expenditure monitoring and analysis.
• Provides Financial Analysis support to various divisions, departments and schools which include the following (subject to change depending upon changing needs) :
• School of Education
• Marketing & Communications
• Facilities
• Public Safety
• Risk Management
• Information Technology Services
• Monitors, analyzes and assists in the negotiation of leases and purchase agreements for facilities and equipment.
• Must have the ability to undertake new initiatives and develop an appropriate approach and ask appropriate questions to develop comprehensive budget models.
• Prepares materials for presentations to the President’s Cabinet, Board of Trustees and other audiences as needed.
• Evaluates the financial impact of proposed projects, strategic objectives, potential new programs, mergers, acquisitions, and assess risks and opportunities.

May include pro-forma financial reports for reporting to accreditors, auditors, and other internal and external audiences.

• Updates Budget Models in systems (Prophix, the University’s Budget Software), develops and updates custom reports.
• Provides monthly budget monitoring reports for areas of responsibility.
• Gathers data from primary and secondary sources, maintaining databases and data systems.
• Provides assistance and training to budget managers / users and performs model maintenance tasks.
• Analyzes monthly / quarterly student revenue for all schools to properly accrue revenue by month in preparation of timely monthly and quarterly closes.

Prepares other adjustments as needed for month and quarter-end closes.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualification Guidelines

Any combination equivalent to, but not limited to, the following :

Experience / Training / Education :

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field.
• Three (3) years of financial management / analytical experience.
• Advanced-level Microsoft Excel, including at least two (2) years of experience in creating financial models and analyses, with demonstrable fluency in VLOOKUP, conditional formatting, macros, advanced charting, pivot tables, and pivot reporting.
• A valid California Class C CA drivers’ license with a good driving record is required. Note : Out-of-state licenses are valid until appointment.

A valid California Class C driver’s license must be obtained within ten (10) days of appointment (in accordance with CA Vehicle Code 12505c).

Preferred

• Master’s degree in business administration, Certified Public Accountant, or relevant financial certifications.
• Higher education institution.
• Experience with Prophix Software.
• Experience with Business Objects.
• Experience with Data Warehouses.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague.

Knowledge and Skills :

• Fluency and confidence in discourse with senior and executive leadership and other key constituents.
• Ability to convey financial information to those who may or may not have a financial background.
• Aptitude to learn new and evolving technology and recommend ways to improve position’s efficiency.
• Excellent technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines.
• Self-motivated and able to work toward problem solutions.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office software including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook.
• Ability to recommend appropriate courses of action within established guidelines.
• Ability to foster strong, positive relationships and align both internal and external resources to achieve university objectives.
• Ability to exercise discretion and work with confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently under general direction.
• Must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions :

Working Conditions :

Standard office setting. Duties performed are primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer workstation or in meetings.

At least minimal environmental controls to assure health and comfort.

Physical Demands :

• Incumbents regularly sit for long periods; walk short distances on a regular basis; may travel to various locations to attend meetings and conduct work;
• use hands and fingers to operate an electronic keyboard or other office machines; reach with hands and arms; stoop or kneel or crouch to file;
• climb stairs; speak clearly and distinctly to answer telephones and to provide information; see to read fine print and operate computer;

hear and understand voices over telephone and in person; and lift, carry and / or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.