Budget Analyst

Department

BSD FIN - Financial Planning & Analysis - Budget Team A

About the Department

The University of Chicago biomedical enterprise houses three entities: the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM), and the Pritzker School of Medicine. Collectively called UCM, we are one of the nation's leading academic medical institutions and have been at the forefront of discovery, education, and clinical care since 1927. Located 20 minutes south of downtown Chicago, our Hyde Park main campus provides a single environment for learning, world-renowned basic science and clinical research, and outstanding clinical care.

The BSD is the largest academic unit within the University. The BSD is comprised of faculty from ten basic science departments, 13 clinical departments, and several Centers and Institutes. The approximately 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members working in the BSD collaborate across the organization to achieve our Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV):

MISSION: As part of the University of Chicago, we pursue globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges. Through our rigorous research, innovative education, and comprehensive care and healing, we collaborate on life-changing advancements that create meaningful results for our community and the world, including a greater, more equitable future for all.

VISION: Together, we elevate the human experience with knowledge and health care.

VALUES:
• Commit to Excellence: We contribute our exceptional talents to all we do and empower the same spirit of excellence in others.
• Embrace Curiosity: We stay open to new ideas, champion diverse perspectives, and drive a culture of thoughtful risk-taking to deliver transformative innovation.
• Embody Equity: We identify systemic issues and then foster change to drive a more equitable environment inclusive of diverse people, ideas, and fields of science.
• Grow Together: We meaningfully collaborate with one another to create something bigger than we could ever achieve alone.
• Make a Difference: We lead with heart and compassion in all our interactions. We create positive changes in our areas of influence, whether expanding scientific inquiry, developing the next generation of leaders, or healing our community.
• Take Ownership: We accomplish what we say we will and hold ourselves and one another accountable for our actions.

The MVV serves as our True North, charting our strategic plan for the next ten years and beyond. It is an exciting time to be a part of the University of Chicago and the BSD. Our team is helping to shape the future for our learners, staff, faculty, patients, and community.

Job Summary

This position is a member of the BSD Budget team within the Financial Planning & Analysis group. With oversight, performs work that contributes to development of long- and short-term financial goals, business strategies/plans, financial models for initiatives, budget development and monitoring, and internal reporting. Utilizes moderate knowledge of finance to help coordinate quarterly and year-end reporting for operating budget. Performs data entry for ensuring dedicated funds for faculty are correct and ready to be utilized.

Responsibilities

• Performs responsibilities across several areas of focus including but not limited to designated funds, budgets, quarterly reports, and monthly forecasts, surveys, data integrity, and role assignment management.
• Analyzes budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives. Understands key assumptions and issues. 
• Consolidates individual budgets into operating and capital budget summaries which argue for or against funding requests. Submits budget summaries to management.
• Monitors budget variances by reviewing reports and accounting records to determine if allocated funds have been spent and identify underlying business drivers and potential problems.
• Assists managers in analyzing the proposed plan and devising possible alternatives if the projected results are unsatisfactory.
• Maintains and tracks benchmarks and key business drivers, such as funding sources, faculty commitments, grant funding, etc.
• Prepares and deploys status reports to key users, providing meaningful information on projects, budgets and budget variances, statistics and productivity.
• Prepares data requested by both internal customers and stakeholders across the enterprise (eg. Sr. Management, Departments, Service Delivery Units, University, Medical Center) and external partners.
• Provides consulting and advisory services to all levels of customers in the organization including executive and faculty leadership.  Responds to inquiries by providing data analysis and relevant information, assists with financial improvement action plans, and complete various financial analysis projects as needed.
• Recommends changes to systems and procedures to ensure conformance with budgetary provisions.
• Provides professional and timely support for budgetary and financial matters as a primary contact for the assigned departments, units, and account owners, operating with a high level of service and a commitment to excellence.
• Prepares budgets and datasets, monitors financial activities, analyzes variance and financial performance, and recommends action items to change the course of event if necessary.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or equivalent strongly preferred
• Strong educational background with focus in business, economics or related technical field. Course work in accounting and finance strongly preferred. 

Experience:

• A minimum of 2-5 years of accounting, finance, or equivalent experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a university setting strongly preferred.
• Financial modeling experience strongly preferred.
• Oracle experience strongly preferred.

​Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of financial computing and database software applications.
• Knowledge of various financial principles, practices, and applications including budgeting, financial planning, financial analysis, and financial reporting.
• Intellectual versatility and creativity.
• Ability to learn concepts and tools independently through problem solving.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels.
• Flexibility and ability to work effectively and gracefully under considerable time pressure on high visibility, high-stakes projects.

Working Conditions

• Office Environment.
• Non-traditional hours occasionally.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Professional references upon request

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

40

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

$60,000.00 - $90,000.00

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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