OVERVIEW:
Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work.
Stanford University seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world and, in turn, is dedicated to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives.
Stanford’s Business Affairs provides administrative policies, infrastructure, systems, services, and support for the benefit of the university community.
Financial Management Services (FMS), a department within Business Affairs, is responsible for creating an ecosystem which promotes innovative and sound financial administration policies and practices that balance controls, compliance, and customer service. FMS is primarily responsible for financial policy oversight, quality assurance and financial services at Stanford University and its affiliated entities. It also serves as a liaison to the hospitals and the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC). The FMS work environment is grounded by core values that include cultivating growth, celebration and appreciation, and collaborating with curiosity in order to nurture an inclusive environment where everyone is valued, respected, and can thrive.
In a highly complex and constantly changing backdrop, the University Controller’s Office is responsible for creating an environment, which promotes innovative and sound business policies, and practices that balance controls, compliance, and customer service. The organization consists of approximately 40 professionals, responsible for a broad range of financial activities, including Capital Accounting, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Fund Accounting, Investment Accounting, Global Business Services, and Gift Securities. We have a collaborative environment that thrives on innovation and continuous improvement. At Stanford, we seek talent committed to excellence, driven to impact the future of our legacy, and improve lives on a global sphere.
In this challenging and rewarding position, you will make key contributions to the Capital Accounting team. Applying effective analytical skills, financial stewardship, and governance processes are keys to success with this position.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Financial Analyst will support the Manager, Capital Accounting Debt and Compliance, by performing complex analytical functions. This includes activities requiring advanced knowledge and application of internal policies, external regulations, precedents, and systems related to the University’s debt. This role also involves designing and executing ad hoc analyses, and reviewing large datasets. This position requires strong critical thinking, analytical skills, and a good understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
CORE DUTIES:
- Perform and design adhoc analyses of large complex data sets: reconcile complex accounts. Identify and resolve complex issues which may span multiple areas.
- Construct and assemble data for budgeting and decision making; develop conclusions, and present high level summary of recommendations. May develop annual budget for individual department/unit.
- Conduct analysis and resolution, and recognize exceptions. Participate in developing solutions that may require policy changes or the development of new processes; maintain broader organizational perspective in decision making.
- Execute internal control programs established by management, research new regulations, and recommend and implement approved changes. May manage compliance program for area of responsibility, and create complex compliance reports.
- Develop reports and presentations of complex financial data and metrics for management and third parties.
- Participate as a member of a project team; support new initiatives. Make decisions determining approach to managing and completing processes.
- Contribute to unit and organization strategy; assist in the development of change management plans and materials as needed.
- Develop and maintain desktop procedures and process documentation for area of responsibility.
- Define requirements, develop and implement complex test cases, perform system testing and analyze results.
- Participate in critical analysis of existing systems and processes, and identify opportunities for process improvement.
- Provide consulting advice to client group(s); serve as a resource on matters that require specific technical, financial, or subject matter expertise; support negotiations with external partners.
- May supervise, train, coach, and review the work of other staff, as needed. Contribute primarily through applying individual expertise.
TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS POSITION, YOU WILL BRING:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Advanced proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel.
- Demonstrated knowledge of financial systems; internet and computer literacy.
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate information clearly and effectively to internal and external audiences and client groups.
- Demonstrated project management skills and ability to contribute/lead as part of a multi-functional team.
IN ADDITION, PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience with, ERP systems, preferably Oracle, with proven ability to apply knowledge to understand new systems and processes.
- Attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet deadlines and customer service response standards.
- Ability to observe trends in data, recommending and helping to implement solutions to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and accuracy of data.
- Strong customer-oriented approach to managing work.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
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.
Why Stanford is for You: Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and how it enriches the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
- Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
- A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
- A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
- Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
- Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
- Redwood City. Our new Stanford Redwood City campus, which opened in 2019, is the workplace for approximately 2,700 staff, including FMS, whose jobs are important to supporting the university’s mission. The campus will offer amenities such as onsite cafes and a dining pavilion, a high-end fitness facility with an outdoor pool, and a childcare center for Stanford families.
