Senior Financial Analyst, Special Projects

At 2U, we are all in on purpose. We are motivated by our mission – to eliminate the back row in education – and connected by our shared passion to deliver world-class digital education at scale. As the parent company of edX, the world’s leading online learning platform, 2U powers more than 4,000 online higher education offerings – from free courses to full degrees. Together with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporate partners, we are helping to unlock human potential.

What We’re Looking For:

The Finance team at 2U provides strategic financial leadership and analytical support to stakeholders across the organization. We support decision-making and operational effectiveness through financial planning, analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, all in service of 2U’s mission to expand access to high-quality education.

As a Senior Financial Analyst, Special Projects, you will play a lead role in supporting high-impact, cross-functional initiatives across the business.This includes evaluating new initiatives, supporting business case development, driving financial modeling, and surfacing insights that inform company-wide decisions. You’ll work closely with Finance leadership and cross-functional teams, such as Strategy, Operations, Product, and Revenue, to drive clarity around priorities, risks, and opportunities.

This is an ideal role for a highly analytical and proactive individual with strong business acumen and a desire to work in a mission-driven and fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

Strategic Financial Analysis & Project Ownership 

• Lead the development of complex financial models and decision-support analyses for strategic initiatives, new product evaluations, and operational improvement projects
• Evaluate performance trends, assess risks and opportunities, and deliver actionable insights to Finance leadership and business stakeholder
• Support the creation of business cases, scenario analyses, and investment frameworks for key cross-functional initiatives
• Assist with tracking and monitoring strategic project outcomes, resource allocation, and financial impact
• Drive improvements in financial planning tools and processes, ensuring scalability and accuracy
• Special projects across FP&A as assigned

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a finance point of contact for strategic initiatives, coordinating with teams across Operations, Product, Revenue, and Academic functions
• Translate financial insights into clear narratives that support stakeholder understanding and strategic decision-making
• Collaborate on presentations and materials for executive audiences and project steering groups

Forecasting, Reporting & Ad Hoc Analysis 

• Support quarterly forecasting, annual planning, and strategic planning processes as needed
• Ensure accuracy and consistency in financial reporting by maintaining alignment across planning tools (e.g., Workday, Adaptive Planning)
• Perform ad hoc reporting and financial deep dives to respond to urgent business questions or shifting priorities

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field strongly preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in FP&A, corporate finance, strategic finance, investment banking, or management consulting
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills required
• Familiarity with enterprise financial systems (e.g., Workday, Adaptive Planning) is a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and concisely
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment

Other Attributes That Will Help You In This Role:

• Highly analytical, detail-oriented, and intellectually curious
• Self-starter who thrives in ambiguity and seeks out new challenges
• Strong business judgment and ability to work cross-functionally
• A collaborative team player who can also work independently
• Passion for education and mission-driven work

Working Conditions:

• Standard 8-hour workday required with additional hours as needed
• Minimal travel may be required as needed

Physical Requirements:

• The position requires prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.

Management Responsibilities

• Sr Financial Analyst
• Financial Analyst