Principal Financial Analyst

Position Summary

University Information Systems (UIS) provides technical services and enterprise applications to the University of Colorado's (CU) four campuses and the Office of the President. UIS is committed to excellence in customer service, technical expertise, and the development of enterprise applications responsible for supporting CU's students, faculty, human resources employees, finance employees, and others. The Principal Financial Analyst supports UIS by providing financial and operational support to all members of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Financial & Budget Management & Analysis

• Provide fiscal and operational support to UIS, which includes purchasing, accounting, and overall financial management
• Generate custom and standardized financial reports and utilize information to:
• Track and monitor consultant progress on projects
• Reconcile financial transactions and balances to check accuracy
• Ensure all financial transactions are recorded accurately, timely, and according to UIS and CU policies at monthly close; make correcting journal entries when needed
• Forward monthly financial data to UIS managers, directors, and leadership; work with managers, directors, and leadership to identify shortfalls, issues, and resolve discrepancies
• Consult and collaborate with budget managers to provide fiscal forecasting and modeling to ensure appropriate and effective budget usage of UIS funding and resources
• Assist and/or lead in managing the budgets and forecast modeling and report-outs for all UIS-related IT Governance projects
• Works with team to develop, prepare, submit, monitor, and close out approximately $55 million in UIS budgets based on long-term department objectives
• Works with team to develop various monthly and annual budget presentations utilizing PowerPoint and Visio tools based on budget and finance initiatives for leadership team
• Track licensing and contract renewals; work with UIS managers and ADs to correct issues, ensure processes are followed, and track costs against established budgets
• Aids in creating and supporting UIS chargeback models to campuses for target programs. This includes but is not limited to monthly charging, education on invoices, and annual reviews with campus partners and UIS Leadership

• Purchasing, Travel, & Expense Reimbursement Management

• Manage and oversee procurement activity for various projects which includes oversight and compliance through the lifecycle of the procurement process
• Collections and reviews procurement documents for compliance; identifies issues and works with UIS employees, vendors, and the PSC to resolve
• Coordinates purchases of goods and services from requisition request through to the invoice payment; utilizes CU Marketplace for purchasing and research purposes to include purchase order (PO) creation, maintenance, and invoice processing
• Works with UIS employees to collect documentation for expense reimbursements and submit information using the Concur Travel & Expense System; reviews documentation for compliance and works with employees to resolve issues; approves deviations from UIS policy as necessary

• Operational & Miscellaneous Support

• Recommend enhancements and streamline current policies and procedures, including Business Services Service Catalog
• Implement process improvements based on analysis and evaluation of current policies and procedures in comparison to research and/or finance and procurement best practices
• Experience using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solutions in support of customers and business processes
• Maintain current knowledge of generative AI technologies and identify practical applications for improving workflows
• Serve as a back-up for the Financial Analyst and Assistant Director, as needed
• Manage special projects and tasks as assigned

What We Offer

• Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $87,000-$90,000. CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of the selected candidate’s education, training and experience as it relates to the position, as well as the position’s scope and complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

• Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness. No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance. Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options. Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan. Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts. Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break. 6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood. A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents. Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office. Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage. Additional Taxable Fringe Benefits May Be Available.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:

• Please include all relevant experience in your resume to be accurately assessed against these qualifications. You must meet all minimum requirements at the time of application to be considered for this role.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or equivalent professional experience (professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis)
• Four (4) years’ professional experience in an operations development, office management, or financial analyst role which includes:
• Developing and analyzing customized and standardized financial reports
• Using enterprise financial software systems to complete budget reconciliations, journal entries, and financial research

• Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the field of finance, non-profit management, or other related area
• Six (6) years’ professional experience as indicated above
• General understanding of the University of Colorado, including its organizational structure
• Familiarity with University of Colorado systems and procedures including Concur, CU Marketplace, PeopleSoft Applications, or similar databases
• Experience managing a budget(s) and providing financial analyses is highly desired
• Experience in finance, non-profit management, or higher education setting is highly desired

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• To be successful in this position a candidate will need the following:
• Knowledge of the business, financial, organizational structure, and governance at CU
• Knowledge of accounting and financial principles, processes, and best practices
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to examine data and trends to produce results
• The ability to prepare and present financial analyses, schedules, and plans to a variety of audiences (e.g., verbal, written, visual, etc.)
• Proofreading, grammar, punctuation, and formatting skills, including the ability maintain consistency and be cognizant of and address details
• The ability to navigate a complex political environment and to establish and maintain partnerships with a variety of internal and external constituencies
• Oral, written, and listening communication skills, including the ability to accurately interpret what others are saying and convey messages, information, concepts, and details accurately and clearly
• Customer service skills, including the ability to actively listen, address customer needs, defuse tense situations, and maintain an open, flexible, and friendly demeanor
• Interpersonal and collaboration skills, including the ability facilitate interaction