Budget & Reporting Analyst

General Summary:

The Budget and Reporting Analyst will support the financial management of the University and planning and resource allocation discussions and decisions of senior University administrators and business area finance officers. Primary activities include: designing and executing the University’s annual operating budget and multi-year revenue and expense forecasts; analyzing financial data and related metrics for the organization, peer institutions, and higher education trends to inform decision-making; preparing concise and effective management reporting; and serving as a subject matter expert in performance and financial management, administrative policies and practices.

The Budget and Reporting Analyst will prepare analysis, presentations and financial studies of key revenue and expense variables, along with integrating peer and best practice information for comparative purposes. The incumbent is responsible for independently conducting research and analysis; supporting best practices in identifying appropriate resource allocations; and effectively communicating recommendations to stakeholders at all levels of the organization. The successful incumbent will be comfortable with ambiguity and working in a fast-paced, fluid, iterative and relationship-based environment.

Examples of Duties:

• Partner with managers and finance staff in assigned business areas to determine the best use of resources and report expense variances, disseminate and model best practices, and promote a culture of continuous improvement and institutional effectiveness.
• Support to Senior Budget Systems & Reporting Analyst: Budget Errors, Project setup, BuyWays (procurement system), Payroll management & Electronic Personnel Action Form (EPAF) system approvals.
• Participate in the annual operating budget process, linking funding to goals and financial metrics.
• Determine the financial consequences of changes in policy, programs, or activities affecting University finances and functional area resources.
• Develop and present analysis, working collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Recommend enhancements to planning and resource allocation processes to support values of transparency and accountability, and effective senior management decision-making.
• Provide subject matter expertise, support, guidance and training to area financial and business staff and financial and performance activities and effectively engage people not directly under his/her control to enact solutions.
• Design and deliver presentations and analysis that educate stakeholders on key financial issues and opportunities, facilitating informal or formal dialogue toward strengthening financial management, reporting and planning.
• Synthesize analysis, findings and best practices into actionable recommendations, supported by solid evidence.
• Assist in the development of financial management reports and analysis in support of decision making.
• Respond to requests for information and generate management reports to assist campus fund and department managers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics or a closely related field

Preferred Qualifications:

This is an entry level position at the University. Experience in a large organization, public agency, non-profit organization, or higher education institution preferred. Demonstrated initiative, comfortable working in an environment where flexibility and problem-solving are required. Examples of relevant work experience are:

• reviewing and consolidating annual budget requests in support of multiple business areas;
• regular monitoring of spending as compared to budget across multiple departments;
• contributing to the preparation of a consolidated annual financial statement (CAFR);
• reviewing requests for new hires and staffing compensation forecasts;
• providing input in support of multi-year revenue and expense projections;
• identifying and consolidating data from external resources and databases;
• preparing annual flux analysis for external auditors of major revenue and expense accounts; and
• preparing cost analysis for changes and updates to policies and business practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expertise in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint);
• Proficiency in reporting queries;
• Ability to provide clarity and conceptualization around complex financial and policy issues;
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy and able to meet milestones and deadlines;
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and ability to effectively facilitate communication across diverse constituencies and functional areas;
• Strong analytical reasoning and quantitative analysis skills;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to develop and bring to completion multiple assignments concurrently;
• Strong commitment to customer service;
• Ability to develop and bring to completion multiple assignments concurrently;
• Ability to facilitate communication across diverse constituencies and functional areas;
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a strong team environment;
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality;
• Ability to effectively manage complex information and maintain data integrity;

Application Instructions:

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three references.

This is a non-union exempt position.

UMass Boston expects to pay within an approximate range between $71,200 and $106,800 for this position.

The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on the consideration of all relevant factors when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HR@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.