Careers
Posted: 10-Mar-23
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: JR21039
Job Description:
Analyzes, reviews, and tracks comprehensive financial activities for assigned Harris School departments, primarily in the areas of finance, auditing, budgeting and forecasting, purchasing, and other operational-related financial activities.
Plans, develops and manages budgets, including developing multi-year budget forecasts.
Contributes to the annual budget process such as preparing departmental budget spreadsheets and inputting budgets into Delphi.
Leads meetings with budget managers to evaluate and report variances.
Monitors and reconciles actual expenditures and revenue against budget and prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual variance reports. Works closely with assigned departments to understand variances and develop recommendations for programmatic changes or cost containment strategies to avoid deficits.
Contributes to the development and implementation of metrics and methodologies toolkits for evaluating financial performance for both the unit overall and specific assigned departments.
Reviews financial reports for consistency and accuracy. Flags potential errors to be investigated and corrected. Prepares and submits account corrections as necessary, including both payroll and non-payroll.
Create accounts, and works with the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses.
Oversees and tracks multi-year faculty fund support packages. Provides faculty periodic reports of spend and available balance.
Develops expertise with BuySite and the new University financial system (FST â“ Oracle) and maintains oversight over all accounts payable and receivable under the new system.
Develops and maintains an understanding of current policies, procedures, and regulations imposed by the University, city, state and federal governments.
Responsible for paying vendor invoices and posting customer payments on a timely basis; ensuring transaction verification procedures are followed with limited supervision.
Helps to develop and maintain a Financial Administration manual for staff with relevant University policies and procedures. Specifically, this will entail helping to train other administrators setting up vendors in Oracle and helping to ensure the timely payment of invoices via purchase requisitions and payment requests.
Research accounts receivable/payable inquiries including payments to vendors and reimbursements to individuals. Correspond with vendors and departmental administrators regarding payment information and problem resolution.
Notifies Finance team leadership about any discrepancies, missing or pending payments, unauthorized or inappropriate charges.
Coordinates with Central Financial Services to ensure timely processing of all non-salary disbursements.
Works independently to maintain and support planning and execution of financial strategy; receives minimal guidance.
Analyzes and prepares budgets, creates accounts, and works with the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses.
Prepares monthly reports, conducts and correct errors in accounts using existing procedures that are in place, and provides advice on the financial impact of human resources and academic affairs decisions.
Performs other related work as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related area.
Experience:
Three or more years of experience in a university or complex organization.
Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Experience with budgets, ledgers, and fiscal reporting.
Knowledge of financial principles, practices, and applications including budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting.
Familiarity with administrative processes, procedures, and systems within a university setting.
Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and accounts payable and receivables practices/techniques.
Project management and proven problem-solving skills.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, Word, and databases.
Preferred Competencies
Ability to present relevant details to decision makers and operational managers and establish a cadence in reporting.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and independently to develop and evaluate options translating findings into operational objectives.
Ability to understand and implement financial policies and procedures.
Communicate effectively and professionally in writing, especially in email.
Participate as a team player and positively influence group activity.
Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
Highly organized, timely, and responsive.
Handle confidential information with absolute discretion.
Take initiative and organize/complete projects with minimal supervision.
Ability to research issues and propose solutions to problems.
Ability to effectively work on multiple projects simultaneously and to meet deadlines.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (required)
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.
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