Budget and Finance Analyst

The Claremont Colleges Services; United States; Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Pitzer College is seeking a Budget and Finance Analyst to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis across campus. The role collaborates with departments to develop budgets, monitor performance, and advise senior leadership on financial decisions.

The position leads Workday Financial Management and Adaptive Planning initiatives, builds reporting tools, and supports Board reporting. A strong background in GAAP, Excel, and financial systems is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in budgeting, financial planning, financial analysis, and accounting.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing projects from planning through implementation with high-quality financial analyses and recommendations.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and demonstrated experience using enterprise financial systems and financial reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate components of the College’s annual operating budget process and serve as budget liaison.
• Develop financial forecasts, scenario analyses, reserve projections, and other financial models.
• Lead recurring financial reporting for departments, senior leadership, and committees; prepare Board narratives and materials.
• Serve as Finance Office lead for Workday Financial Management and Adaptive Planning; train users on self‑service reporting.
• Support year-end close and audit activities; strengthen internal controls and processes.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

GAAP

Excel

Communication

Internal controls

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Master's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Workday Financial Management

Adaptive Planning

Excel

Enterprise reporting tools

Job description

Position Overview

The Budget and Finance Analyst is a key member of the Finance and Treasurer’s Office responsible for supporting the College’s financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and institutional decision‑making. Working with a high degree of independence, the Analyst partners with departments across campus to develop budgets, monitor financial performance, perform financial analysis, and provide consultation that promotes sound fiscal stewardship and advances the College’s strategic priorities. The Analyst plays a central role in the College’s annual budget process, institutional forecasting, budget systems administration, and the development of financial analyses that support executive decision‑making. The Analyst provides analyses and recommendations to senior leadership, supports Board of Trustees reporting, serves as the functional lead for Workday Financial Management and Adaptive Planning, and leads initiatives that improve financial reporting, business processes, and operational effectiveness.

Essential Functions

Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting: Coordinate significant components of the College’s annual operating budget process, including budget development, data collection, validation, review, and communication with campus departments. Serve as the primary budget liaison for assigned departments by providing guidance on budget development, financial planning, budget policies, and promoting sound financial stewardship and responsible use of College resources. Maintain institutional budget and forecasting models within Adaptive Planning (or successor budgeting systems), ensuring the integrity of financial data and planning assumptions. Develop financial forecasts, scenario analyses, reserve projections, and other financial models to support institutional planning and executive decision‑making. Monitor budget‑to‑actual results, identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and recommend corrective actions where appropriate. Maintain highly confidential data regarding the College’s position control records and collaborate with Human Resources to ensure personnel budgets accurately reflect authorized positions, hiring activity, salary projections, and fringe benefit assumptions.

Design and develop financial analyses, models, and reporting tools from the ground up when existing reports do not meet business needs. Research complex financial questions by analyzing accounting activity, trial balances, general ledger detail, reconciliations, financial statements, and supporting documentation to identify root causes and recommend practical solutions. Monitor financial activity and help ensure compliance with College policies and procedures, applicable accounting standards, IRS regulations, and other regulatory requirements.

Financial Reporting and Analysis: Lead recurring financial reporting for departments, senior leadership, and College committees. Coordinate the development of executive‑quality Board schedules, analyses, narratives, presentations, and supporting documentation. Prepare clear, concise narratives that communicate financial results, trends, risks, and recommendations for senior leadership and the Board of Trustees, including the development of financial narratives and supporting written materials for Board of Trustee meetings. Prepare executive‑quality presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint, Canva, or comparable presentation software that effectively communicate financial information to executive audiences.

Financial Systems and Process Improvement: Serve as the Finance Office functional lead for Workday Financial Management, Adaptive Planning, and related financial systems. Develop financial reports and analyses to support departmental and institutional decision‑making while providing training to departments on the effective use of Workday self‑service reporting tools. Develop and maintain training materials, instructional guides, videos, and other learning resources to promote consistent understanding and effective use of financial systems, policies, and procedures. Evaluate financial processes and recommend improvements that strengthen internal controls, improve efficiency, enhance the user experience, and support continuous process improvement.

Financial Consultation and Campus Partnership: Serve as a trusted financial consultant to departments by providing responsive, professional, and solutions‑oriented guidance on budgeting, financial reporting, financial systems, and the interpretation of financial information. Partner with The Claremont Colleges Services (TCCS) Office of Financial Services to support accounting, financial reporting, audit activities, and other collaborative Finance initiatives. Partner with departments to strengthen financial literacy, improve reporting capabilities, and support informed operational decision‑making. Develop, maintain, and enhance institutional financial metrics and dashboards that support strategic planning and decision‑making.

Administrative Responsibilities: Serve as the lead administrator for the Treasurer’s Office Pitzer Hub page by developing, maintaining, and enhancing content, resources, and documentation to support communication, training, and self‑service across the College. Record minutes for assigned Board of Trustees and committee meetings in support of the Treasurer's Office as required. Provide backup support for critical Finance Office functions, including serving as a backup administrator for the College’s Purchasing Card (P‑card) program during staff absences or periods of peak workload. Support fiscal year‑end close and audit activities as assigned. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Advanced knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, financial reporting, internal controls, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), with the ability to apply accounting concepts to financial analysis and decision‑making. Ability to independently identify problems, gather information, develop analytical approaches, build financial analyses from the ground up, and recommend practical solutions. Ability to research complex financial issues through detailed analysis of trial balances, general ledger activity, reconciliations, financial statements, and supporting documentation. Exceptional written communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive‑level reports, Board narratives, presentations, and other professional communications. Demonstrated ability to prepare polished presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint, Canva, or comparable presentation software. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and a strong aptitude for financial systems and reporting tools.

Demonstrated ability to organize work, prioritize competing responsibilities, and produce accurate, high‑quality work efficiently while consistently meeting deadlines. Demonstrated ability to independently manage projects from planning through implementation while maintaining accountability for quality, accuracy, and timely completion. Exercises sound professional judgment by knowing when to work independently and when to seek guidance on complex or sensitive matters. Demonstrates intellectual curiosity by asking thoughtful questions, investigating unusual financial trends and variances, and proactively identifying opportunities for improvement. Demonstrates professionalism through reliability, responsiveness, accountability, discretion, confidentiality, and exceptional attention to detail.

Demonstrates initiative and ownership by anticipating needs, following through on commitments, and consistently delivering high‑quality work products. Ability to quickly learn new processes, build effective working relationships, and become a trusted resource with minimal direction. Demonstrated commitment to continuous process improvement, innovation, collaboration, and customer service. Ability to analyze and interpret financial statements, accounting records, and operational data to identify trends, evaluate performance, and support sound financial decision‑making. Proven ability to exercise exceptional judgment, maintain strict confidentiality, and appropriately manage highly sensitive information. Demonstrated emotional intelligence, resilience, professionalism, and discretion in a dynamic environment.

Education and Experience

Required: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in budgeting, financial planning, financial analysis, and accounting. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field. Demonstrated experience independently managing projects from planning through implementation while producing high‑quality financial analyses and recommendations. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and demonstrated experience using enterprise financial systems and financial reporting tools.

Preferred: Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a closely related field. Experience in higher education, governmental, and/or nonprofit accounting. Experience with Workday Financial Management. Experience with Adaptive Planning or comparable budgeting and forecasting software. Experience preparing financial reports, presentations, or supporting materials for executive leadership, governing boards, or other senior decision‑makers.

Compensation and Benefits

Budgeted Salary Range: $80,000–$95,000 per year.

Pitzer College is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, tuition exchange program participation, and more.

Work Schedule and Model

Full‑time, 40 hours per week. Regular full‑time, exempt staff position working 12 months per year. Hours generally 8:00am–5:00pm, with possible variation due to College or departmental needs. May require evenings and weekends during peak times.

Hybrid work model: Must have access to reliable and secure computer and internet connection. Must have access to a dedicated and suitable workstation at a remote location, including desk or table and supporting upright chair. Must ensure workstation is safe, free from hazards, and ergonomically appropriate.

Physical Requirements

Generally a sedentary position. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods; operate a computer for prolonged periods; communicate with others by email, in person, and over the telephone; read printed materials and a computer screen; have the mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment. Must assist with the set‑up and teardown of event tables, signage and other materials. Requires reaching overhead, grasping, pulling, pushing, stooping, bending, and twisting; lift 15 pounds from the ground to waist level unassisted; and have stamina to manage a high‑volume workload in a fast‑paced work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non‑Discrimination

Pitzer College adheres to both the letter and the spirit of Equal Employment Opportunity and Affinity Action. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, disability, medical condition, or veteran status in the administration of its admission policies, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other College‑administered programs, and employment policies. Pitzer strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.