Budget Analyst Intermediate (Publishing)

About the role

Support the financial and business operations of Michigan Publishing, the Publishing division of the University of Michigan Library, as well as broader financial processes across the library. Work within an experienced and mutually supportive team on financial planning and analysis, financial transactions, reconciliations, royalty processing, procurement, and financial reporting. Annually, collaborate on library-wide budget deliverables, fund allocations, and budget projections, and manage fiscal year-end activities and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Financial Planning, Analysis, and Budget Monitoring: Monitor, reconcile, and analyze assigned budgets, accounts, and project grants, including identifying trends, costs, revenues, commitments, and future projections. Analyze sales and related transactions to prepare journal entries for the general ledger. Track production cost information for individual contracts and process/track subvention requests and payments. Collaborate with the finance team on library-wide budget deliverables, including fund allocations and annual budget projections.
• Financial Reporting and Data Management: Prepare client financial statements as required by specific contracts and maintain historical sales files. Develop financial reports and variance analyses to support library-wide budget-related materials. Manage the preparation, submission, and tracking of ebook sales and associated payments. Audit financial information from external sources to ensure total accuracy and contract compliance.
• General Ledger and Transactional Operations: Execute financial transactions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, travel and expense, and requisitions. Prepare and record journal entries in the general ledger to accurately reflect business activity. Reconcile balance sheet accounts and budget lines against third-party records. Manage fiscal year-end activities and ensure all transactions are completed within established timelines.
• Royalty Management and Contract Administration: Enter and maintain contracts and related data within specialized royalty software. Prepare and upload sales and income data for royalty processing. Audit and reconcile royalty balances, serving as a point of contact for authors regarding their statements and payments.
• Procurement, Purchasing, and Internal Controls: Support purchasing and bid-related processes, including the preparation of requests for quotations (RFQ), requests for proposals (RFP), and sole source justifications. Review financial activity for policy compliance and alignment with University internal controls. Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to financial transactions or procurement workflows.
• Process Documentation, Training, and Professional Support: Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and supporting documentation for both Publishing and Library Finance operations. Provide guidance and training to non-finance staff regarding financial procedures, budget processes, and system usage. Serve as a backup for colleagues and contribute to special projects as assigned to ensure consistent support across the library.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in accounting, finance, or a related field, with knowledge of accounting and financial principles.
• 2+ years of experience as an accountant, financial analyst, or budget analyst.
• Experience with financial analysis, budget development, general ledger activities, reconciliations, auditing, monitoring, and presenting financial information clearly.
• Proficiency with reporting tools, databases, and advanced spreadsheet functions, including tools such as Business Objects, SQL, Oracle, Excel PivotTables, VLOOKUP, and Google Sheets.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to anticipate issues, take initiative, and meet established timelines.
• Experience managing varied work in an environment with shifting priorities, both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to handle sensitive information.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with higher education budget processes, cycle, and requirements.
• Experience with publishing industry finance.
• Experience with revenue and non-profit accounting standards and activities.

Benefits

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Schedule

This position may work in a hybrid (partially remote) status or in person in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment.