Financial Analyst

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $75,950 - $82,000

Position Summary

Under the leadership of the Director of Finance, the Financial Analyst is responsible for strategic budget management and forecasting, analysis, and financial reporting for Columbia Health programs and services. The Financial Analyst updates budgets and provides analysis for leadership decision-making. This position works as an integral member of the Finance team and will independently perform high-level budgetary and financial functions for Columbia Health units and operations. Efforts will focus on maintaining University-approved accounting practices that provide timely, managerially relevant data across Columbia Health. This is a hybrid-eligible position.

Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day fiscal operations and assist with the development and monitoring of Columbia Health's budget. (50%)

• In collaboration with internal and external management, manage operational needs and determine financial impacts
• Enable and provide guidance to Columbia Health senior staff in the budget process, revenue and/or expense projections, reporting needs, and other specialized financial/business analyses
• Provide comprehensive, accurate, and timely financial information to enable decision-making and planning by senior leadership
• Monitor, reconcile, analyze, and report on financial activities for Columbia Health units and operations
• Proactive in identifying discrepancies, variances, and perform associated research and follow-up to eliminate such variances
• Independently prepare detailed reconciliations, complete expense and funding transfers
• Provide key fiscal consultation for grant accounting and other external funding projects
• Communicates effectively with fellow Columbia Health Staff, Departmental Leadership, and University Management to provide status of finance initiatives
• Collaborate with senior staff in Columbia Health and in other University departments to resolve inconsistencies, pass on updates, and rectify issues

Utilize a wide array of University and departmental systems to collect data, prepare reports, and perform benchmarking analysis. (35%)

• Review processes and current reporting and make recommendations for improvement in both the quality and presentation of financial data
• Develop reports as required and administer internal financial policies, programs, and practices
• Complete reports associated with monthly, quarterly, and fiscal-year closes
• Maintain the accuracy of various financial analyses and reports used to forecast staff payroll, costs, and other financial activity.
• Manage Columbia Health grant budgets and all activities related to grant expense allocations.

Special Projects (10%)

• Manage documentation and distribution of pay cards to students for their note-taking services with Disability Services.
• In collaboration with the Director, participate in the preparation of external filings for the NYC Department of Finance and other governmental agencies and regulatory entities.
• Formulating budget controls and workflow processes.
• Plan training and participate in the onboarding of finance staff.

Other duties as assigned. 5%

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or its equivalent experience required.
• Minimum 3-5 years related expense management and budgetary experience required.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Experience processing accounts payable and accounting transactions.
• Excellent analytical, financial, analysis, and fiscal modeling skills.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks and follow through on the completion of projects.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Must be able to exercise significant independent judgment, have a passion for excellent customer service, and have a commitment to exceptional quality.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of professionalism, diplomacy, discretion, confidentiality, firmness, and collaboration in dealing with individuals at all levels.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative with minimal supervision.
• Superior quantitative and computer skills, including finance systems, databases, spreadsheets, and presentation tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Columbia University Purchasing Policies and Procedures.
• Experience with ARC and FDS or similar financial systems.
• Experience with HR-related systems (e.g., PAC, Peoplesoft).
• Must have the ability to function in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with other Columbia University systems, processes, and procedures.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.