Finance & Budget Associate

The University of Notre Dame is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world.

About the role

The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) at the University of Notre Dame is a research center dedicated to reducing poverty by partnering with service providers to conduct rigorous impact evaluations. LEO’s mission is to improve lives through evidence-based programs and policies, empowering decision-makers with data that drives lasting social change.

LEO is seeking a proactive, analytical, and mission-driven professional to serve as its Finance and Budget Associate—a high-impact role responsible for supporting the financial stewardship and operational success of one of the nation's leading poverty research organizations. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Administration, this position will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, fund management, effort tracking, and process improvement across LEO's diverse portfolio of grants and funding sources. Managing financial operations that support nearly $10 million in annual funding, more than 100 research studies, and over 90 partners nationwide, this role plays a critical part in ensuring LEO's resources are strategically managed to maximize organizational impact.

This is a five-year, limited-term position. Contingent on funding, the position may be extended.

Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting
  • Lead internal and external financial reporting across LEO's diverse portfolio of restricted funds and operating accounts
  • Develop consolidated monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports that provide meaningful insights for leadership and external stakeholders
  • Deliver exceptional financial support and customer service by responding to reporting needs, inquiries, and funding-related requests across LEO and partner organizations
• Financial Analysis & Forecasting
  • Analyze financial performance, trends, and projections to support strategic planning and long-term organizational sustainability
  • Develop forecasting models and financial analyses that inform executive decision-making and resource allocation
  • Identify opportunities to strengthen financial processes, improve reporting accuracy, and optimize operational performance
• Budget Planning & Management
  • Lead the development and management of annual operating, project, and fund-level budgets across LEO's complex funding portfolio
  • Prepare budget-to-actual analyses and financial projections to support proactive planning and informed decision-making
  • Manage LEO's Financial Compass processes while optimizing system utilization to support both university requirements and organizational goals
• Fund Management & Expense Management
  • Oversee the financial management of restricted funds and operating accounts while ensuring compliance with university and sponsor requirements
  • Manage labor distributions, expense allocations, and fund activity to maximize available resources and maintain financial integrity
  • Monitor fund balances and spending strategies to ensure responsible stewardship of donor resources
• Effort Tracking & Labor Distribution
  • Manage effort tracking and labor allocation across LEO's research portfolio to ensure accurate and timely distribution of personnel costs
  • Partner with the Grants Team, Principal Investigators, and university stakeholders to support compliant labor reporting and project funding
  • Maintain accurate effort reporting systems that support financial accountability, grant compliance, and operational excellence

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 3-4 years of relevant professional experience in financial reporting, budgeting, financial analysis and forecasting, fund management, effort tracking, and cross-functional collaboration, preferably within a nonprofit, higher education, research, or mission-driven environment
• Experience with grant-funded organizations, GAAP accounting principles, and financial compliance is strongly preferred
• A deep commitment to the mission of both LEO and the University is necessary
• Ability to learn Notre Dame’s general ledger system and other internal reporting systems
• Proficient in Microsoft suite and Google applications
• Experience preparing financial reports, including operating budgets, proposal budgets, and internal and external financial reports
• Experience in nonprofit accounting, financial analysis and forecasting
• Experience with payroll management, labor distribution over large teams
• Detail-oriented, logical, and highly organized
• Strong in communication and interpersonal skills to be able to collaborate with many different teams
• Analytical problem-solving skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy and consistency
• Ability to take initiative, work autonomously, and take on additional responsibilities as required by business needs, facilitating a prompt response to requests
• An ability to thrive in a small and dynamic team while effectively navigating a large University environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred
• Experience with grant-funded organizations
• Experience with GAAP accounting principles
• Experience with financial compliance

Pay

Up to $70,000, commensurate with experience

Schedule

This is an on-site position with the possibility of hybrid work location. This is a five-year, limited-term position. Contingent on funding, the position may be extended.

Benefits

For more information on benefits, visit the Notre Dame HR Benefits page.