Senior Budget Analyst

The Senior Budget Analyst of Budget and Planning is primarily responsible for providing comprehensive financial and budgetary analysis, regular monitoring, and forecasting of financial performance, and ensuring adherence to University policies and procedures.The Office of Budget and Planning provides budgetary and fiscal management leadership supporting the effective deployment of financial resources in alignment with the University's mission and strategic objectives. This position will support departmental goals and objectives through effective collaboration and constructive partnership with colleagues and campus stakeholders. Responsibilities include being a key business partner in support of annual budget preparation, year-end estimated finals, and 10-year long-range planning of University resources. By direct involvement this position serves as a contact for University units on matters pertaining to their respective budgets, and applicable budgeting policies and procedures. The Senior Budget Analyst will be expected to provide counsel to University leadership by forecasting the impact of potential University decisions and making recommendations to ensure well-informed decision making and optimal resource allocation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferably in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field.

• Five (5) plus years of professional experience with similar functional responsibilities or a combination of experience and relevant education.

• Experience in higher education is preferred.

Job Specific Qualifications

• Must work collaboratively and cooperatively with University personnel at all levels.

• Ability to respond flexibly and positively in all circumstances, working calmly under pressure.

• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion regarding sensitive and confidential information.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and in written; proven ability to communicate complex information to a diverse audience in an understandable manner.

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to work independently, prioritizing workload under pressure of competing assignments and converging deadlines.

• Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy. Advanced understanding of financial principles., including review and analysis of complex financial information.

• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent computer skills including knowledge of and proficiency in Adobe and Microsoft Office Suite applications: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Extensive use and understanding of Hyperion Planning, Essbase and Tableau preferred.

• Build and maintain business partnerships to support University departments.

• Willingness to learn new software applications as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive knowledge of Syracuse University unit¿s financials, operations, strategy, and competitive situation.

• Partner with unit leadership and ensure the effective use of resources and alignment with the unit's long-term strategic goals.

• Communicate regularly with unit leadership to review budgets and YTD performance.

• Develop and maintain complex integrated financial models for forecasting and analysis.

• Build scenario analysis models to aid in financially responsible decision making or to quantify the impact of new policies or initiatives.

• Provide counsel and suggestions on how to best utilize University financial systems.

• Effectively communicate budget directives, University decisions, or changes in policy.

• Develop and maintain current fiscal year budget and 10 year budget plan.

• Make updates based on new performance information or unit decision making.

• Proactively monitor budgets, analyze variances, and update monthly estimated finals.

• Provide explanations of variances, including underlying drivers.

• When necessary, work with units to remediate possible budget deficits.

• Provide constructive challenge to unit¿s budget assumptions when appropriate.

• Ensure compliance with Syracuse University policies, procedures, and overall strategic plan.

• Identify and analyze financial, operational, and external data to highlight key performance drivers, opportunities, and risks.

• Communicate report insights clearly and concisely, both written and verbally.

• Ensure information is provided in a timely matter and with a high degree of accuracy.

• Make improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of reporting.

• Lead and/or participate in initiatives to improve University budgeting policies/models, reporting, procedures, systems, and tools.

• Provide support to Syracuse University units to help facilitate departmental restructuring, business cases for major investments, and integration of new acquisitions.

• Provide advisement and support to Office of Budget and Planning colleagues.

• Actively participate in team meetings. Assist with additional responsibilities during times of need.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.