U

University of Chicago

Private research university in Chicago, IL

Financial Analyst

Full-TimePosted on 10/27/2026Deadline 4/27/27
$60k - $80k
Mid
Bachelor's
Chicago, IL, USA
HybridHybrid; may require some evening and weekend work.
AccountingAccounts Payable/Receivable

About the job

Requirements
  • A college or university degree in a related field is required.
  • Knowledge and skills developed through 2–5 years of work experience in a related job discipline are required.
  • Strong proficiency in Excel is required, including VLOOKUPs, INDEX/MATCH, pivot tables, and custom formulas.
  • The role requires knowledge of the discipline while acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills, familiarity with organizational processes and customers, problem-solving across a range of issues using standard procedures, and work with moderate guidance and direction.
  • The role requires direct contact with university administrative staff, faculty, and sponsors; civility and professionalism are required.
  • Strong technical skills with research administration systems, sponsor system portals, and help desk ticketing systems are required, along with the ability to troubleshoot technical issues and resolve them promptly.
  • Strong computer skills in word processing, database management, and spreadsheets are required, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite.
  • The ability to develop proficiency in and work with sponsor and third-party electronic systems is required.
  • The position requires the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations discreetly and maintain confidentiality.
  • The position requires attention to detail and accuracy, the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
  • The position requires organization, multitasking, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with ambiguity.
  • Some evening and weekend work may be required.
  • The role requires sitting for four or more hours, extensive computer use for four or more hours, and use of standard office equipment; the employee may need to troubleshoot IT equipment in a remote/hybrid environment.
Responsibilities
  • Facilitate fiscal operations for federal funding, including direct and pass-through funding.
  • Liaise between federal financial managers and university faculty and program officers regarding award modifications.
  • Coordinate between department administrators and University Research Administration Post Award Administrators.
  • Apply independent judgment and knowledge of Uniform Guidance, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and university policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal sponsor requirements.
  • Reconcile university and federal systems related to expenditures and income.
  • Manage all university billing related to a specific sponsor.
  • Identify and resolve invoicing problems and issues.
  • Analyze projects in detail to proactively manage timely billing using university business intelligence reporting tools.
  • Analyze key reports for data integrity, diagnose errors, and make necessary corrections.
  • Collaborate with the Credit Union, Treasury, and Bursar’s Office to ensure cash is applied appropriately.
  • Partner with Post Award Research Administrators, University Research Administration Contracting, and business units or departments as needed; address questions and issues related to sponsored-project billing and collections.
  • Maintain appropriate data entry in institutional systems and databases for sponsored-project billing and collections.
  • Gain and maintain a thorough understanding of university and sponsor regulations.
  • Seek opportunities for and provide input toward improving billing and collection processes.
  • Perform operating or cost accounting activities requiring moderate knowledge of accounting theories and principles.
  • Interpret accounting records to determine gains and losses, receipts and disbursements, and inventory.
  • Draft income and balance sheet statements, consolidated statements, and other accounting statements and reports with a moderate-to-high level of authority.
  • Perform other related work as needed.
  • Interact by phone, email, online meetings, or in person with university faculty and administrative staff and occasionally with federal government staff, non-federal sponsors, and other institutions and organizations.
Desired Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree in an Accounting field is strongly preferred.
  • An advanced degree is preferred.
  • Relevant experience interpreting sponsored research grants and contracts and working with budgets, ledgers, invoices, and fiscal reporting is preferred.
  • Knowledge of Uniform Guidance or experience interpreting similar regulations is strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is preferred.
  • Experience in a sponsored programs research administration office or academic environment is preferred.
  • Experience with University of Chicago systems such as AURA, FAS, ACCTS/PETS, and Business Objects is preferred.
  • Proficiency with University of Chicago systems such as AURA, Oracle, Orbit, Business Objects, PMS, Research.gov, Grants.gov, and external agency systems is strongly preferred.
  • Experience with Huron Research Suite or a similar system is preferred.
  • Advanced proficiency with Business Objects, including understanding reporting practices, troubleshooting issues, developing complex reports, and interpreting exported data, is preferred.
  • Independence, initiative, curiosity, willingness to learn new skills and take on challenges, and effective interaction and collaboration with university administrators and faculty are preferred.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders are preferred.
  • A positive, service-oriented attitude, courteous demeanor, professionalism, and the ability to develop and manage interpersonal relationships are preferred.
  • The ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make decisions with downstream impacts on sponsored-project management is preferred.
  • Sound judgment, prioritization, anticipation of potential issues, and proactive problem-solving are preferred.
  • The ability to stay current with technology and digital tools, maintain composure under pressure, and respond constructively to feedback is preferred.

About the company

U

University of Chicago

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The University of Chicago is a private research university founded in 1890 in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. It comprises the College, graduate divisions, and professional schools across a broad range of disciplines.

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