Financial Analyst, Wharton Finance & Administration

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Financial Analyst, Wharton Finance & Administration

Job Profile Title

Accountant/Financial Analyst

Job Description Summary

Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With campuses in Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton has over 850 staff, a faculty population of more than 235 renowned professors, and 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year, 13,000 professionals worldwide advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education’s individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. Wharton is home to a diverse staff population representing a rich array of backgrounds, expertise, and cultures. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.

The Financial Analyst reports directly to the Associate Director, Research Centers. The Financial Analyst will serve as an integral member of the Research Centers finance team at Wharton Finance & Administration, accurately preparing and maintaining financial records and reporting for 20+ units, ensuring transactions are reflective of business activities and financial planning.

This position will maintain a compensation funding grid for all personnel in the research centers, ensuring accuracy in funding source and budget coding. In addition to salary review, this position will ensure other personnel payments are made, such as faculty payments, pre- and post-doc funding agreements including transfers, and other ad-hoc compensation agreements. This role is responsible for payroll reporting and tracking headcount.

The Financial Analyst will also act as the Business Administrator (BA) for assigned research centers.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Ensure financial records are accurate and financial agreements are properly executed as it reflects in the reporting system. Take corrective actions as necessary. Flag issues with the assigned business administrator and/or the center leads. Investigate matters by researching into various Penn systems. 
• Act as the business administrator for assigned research centers and collaborate with the financial operations team. Understand the unit activity and work with the internal team on the budget and forecast process. 
• Create and maintain a database of internal agreements. Act as the subject matter expert for specific area of expertise (compensation). Record and review records in the Penn Payroll Reallocation system and HR management system (Workday). 
• Deliver accurate financial reporting to internal team and business units. 
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree with 3-5 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Previous experience managing financial records. Attention to detail/accuracy. Strong business acumen and financial management skills. Knowledge of Penn's financial systems a plus.
 

• Previous finance/accounting, reporting, and analysis experience required.
• Advance technical skills required (spreadsheet proficiency).
• Excellent