The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.
The Senior Financial Analyst is a member of the School of Humanities and Sciences Dean's Office, reporting to the Associate Director of Finance. The Finance team is responsible for managing the annual accounting cycle of a $620 million consolidated budget and the development, implementation and management of complex financial systems that support the school.
Position Summary: The Senior Financial Analysts responsibilities are focused on large-scale analysis of complex financial data; annual accounting and budget cycle activities; development and maintenance of technical infrastructure to support financial functions, policy and procedures; and special projects to support and recommend strategic financial decisions. The position completes complex financial analysis as part of a team. Projects and responsibilities include annual budget development, year-end close, mid-year & year end variance analysis, supporting analysis for presentations to the University Provost and upper H&S management, budget book submission, projection for faculty searches and consistent updates of consolidated forecasts.
The Senior Financial Analyst is part of a high performing team which works collaboratively, leveraging advanced technical skills to both analyze and narrate the full scope of financial statements. This work requires a deep understanding of financial statements. Success is measured by team success. This position serves as a representative of the H&S Dean’s Office and as a subject matter expert for complex financial, policy, procedural, and technical issues. This position manages a wide variety of tasks in a fast-paced academic environment, requiring a high level of professionalism, productivity, accuracy, organization, multi-tasking, independence, sound judgment and decision-making. The position is a thoughtful participant and idea generator when thinking through business problems including the ability to untangle, communicate, and solve problems. A key skill is the ability to identify and communicate potential opportunities such as suggested policy, best practice considerations, process efficiency or improved tools. The position will play an active role in the creation of new innovative financial applications.
If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply. Resume and Cover Letter are required for consideration.
Core Duties:
- Perform highly analytical, complex finance and control functions; multi-dimensional and complex reconciliations and related analysis; prepare or review and approve complex transactions and higher-level dollar value transactions.
- Research and synthesize data for broad areas; develop complex financial analyses, budget and forecasting scenarios, long-range planning, and analyses. Perform root-cause analysis and synthesis, draw conclusions, and propose solutions.
- Develop complex financial reports and presentations, design and run ad hoc reports, and prepare or review complex transactions to support the stewardship of university resources. Provide consultation to senior leadership to interpret results.
- Prioritize, identify, and resolve strategic and unit/department issues; recognize exceptions, recommend and develop resolutions and implement solutions. Ensure effective and efficient delivery and integration of all financial services for areas of responsibility.
- Design an effective system of internal controls for areas of responsibility utilizing strategic analysis of interrelationships of financial processes, policies, and procedures; implement and ensure compliance programs.
- Lead multiple complex, high-visibility process innovation projects. Develop, champion and implement strategic initiatives with significant impact. Empower action, remove obstacles, enable constructive feedback and support from leaders, and reward and recognize progress and achievements.
- Develop, assess, and continuously improve systems and processes to achieve greater efficiencies and improve internal controls. Design and provide training on new financial systems.
- Analyze problems in business-critical systems, identify risks, solutions, and strategies, act as business owner of projects.
- Represent organization to client group(s) and leaders: serve as subject matter expert on matters that involve complex technical, financial, or subject matter expertise.
- Assess client and business needs and formulate recommendations to determine the approach to managing and completing processes.
- May supervise, train, coach, and review the work of other staff, as needed. Contribute primarily through applying individual expertise.
- *Other duties may also be assigned.
Education & Experience
· Bachelor’s degree and eight years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
· Expert proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel.
· Advanced knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning and financial systems; internet and computer literacy.
· Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
· Advanced professional communication skills, including ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicating information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and all levels of management.
· Advanced project management skills and ability to lead large multi-functional teams.
In addition, preferred requirements include:
· Demonstrated experience with fund accounting principles.
· Demonstrated ability to appreciate and thrive in a team environment.
· Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, and define financial requirements, when building new and innovative financial systems.
Work Standards:
· Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
· Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
· Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide.
