Financial Analyst

Department

PSD Budget & Finance

About the Department

The Physical Sciences Division (PSD) has a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in the physical and mathematical sciences, and this tradition of innovation continues today. Our inquiry and impact spans from the edge of the observable universe to human-computer interaction, from biophysical materials science to the geologic record of seawater composition, from gravitational waves to geometric flows, and beyond. The division includes the academic departments of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geophysical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics. In addition, PSD includes a number of interdisciplinary research institutes and centers, including the Data Science Institute, Enrico Fermi Institute, the James Franck Institute, and the Kavli Center for Cosmological Physics. Many of our scientists have joint appointments at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory as well as joint affiliations with other Chicago-based research institutions such as the Toyota Technological Institute of Chicago, and the Field Museum. Our students build connections with world-leading scientists, collaborate across disciplines, and enjoy the dynamic Chicago and University communities.

Job Summary

The Physical Sciences Division (PSD) is seeking a skilled and dedicated Financial Analyst to join our team. The successful candidate will serve as a primary account administrator and will be responsible for managing various financial transactions and accounts within an academic environment. This role requires exceptional customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with four days on campus and one day remote.

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of a supervisor, acts as a primary account administrator for account owners in an intensive customer service environment.

• Processes, creates, and reconciles account transactions, including purchases and travel expenditures.

• Assists in accumulation, organization, and posting of internal billing in Oracle system.

• Interacts with University Research Administration, Faculty, Human Resources staff, Senior Grant Administrators and Grant Managers, and Financial Services Office personnel to troubleshoot issues

• Assists with straightforward activities including account creations, regulatory and compliance monitoring, salary allocations, reporting, projections, cost allocations, cost center charges, equipment inventory, invoice preparation, and account closing.

• Serves as department contact for annual audits and agency site visits.

• Routinely prepares budgets, creates accounts, and works with the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses on gift, endowment, and operating accounts.

• Helps to prepare monthly reports, conducts and correct errors in accounts using existing procedures that are in place, and provides advice on the financial impact of human resources and academic affairs decisions.

• Works with other administrators on the procurement process, allocates expenditures for authorization, and advises in communications regarding funding agencies, subcontractors, and others at the instruction and direction of others.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Strong computer skills including word processing, database management, and spreadsheet skills (Microsoft Excel).

• Familiarity with Oracle Systems.

Preferred Competencies

• Attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact professionally and diplomatically with individuals from across the division and university.

• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.

• Ability to understand and follow policies and guidelines.

• Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects in client-service environment.

• Ability to maintain