Budget & Financial Analyst Lead

ULSE Inc.; Evanston (IL); Hybrid; USD 98,562 - 135,523; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus compensation

Comprehensive health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Flexible scheduling

Hybrid work arrangements

Job summary

UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) in Evanston, IL, seeks a Budget & Financial Analyst Lead to drive enterprise budgeting, forecasting, and board‑level analysis. You will partner with senior leaders to translate priorities into actionable financial plans and provide data‑driven insights for decision making.

The role requires 8+ years of experience, a Bachelor’s in accounting/finance, and proficiency with Workday, Adaptive, and Excel.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in budgeting, variance analysis, and financial principles within a complex organization.
• Ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable recommendations for non‑financial stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail in financial planning and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual budgets and multi‑year plans aligned with strategy.
• Partner with senior leaders to translate priorities into actionable financial plans.
• Oversee monthly budget‑to‑actual variance analysis and provide cost optimization recommendations.
• Prepare and present narratives for monthly close and board reports with clear drivers and implications.
• Develop financial reports, forecasts, and analyses for senior leadership.
• Lead quarterly forecasting with forward‑looking projections and insights.
• Guide departments in high‑impact budget preparation and financial presentations for executives and the board.
• Drive process improvements in budgeting, forecasting, and reporting including data quality enhancements.
• Mentor analysts and provide coaching to strengthen the team.
• Act as a strategic finance partner for resource allocation and cost management.

Skills

Budgeting

Variance analysis

Financial storytelling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

Tools

Workday

Adaptive

Excel

Job description

The Budget & Financial Analyst Lead will head enterprise financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting to support strategic objectives. The role partners with senior leadership to translate priorities into actionable financial plans, deliver data‑driven insights on performance, and produce board‑ready analysis of budget‑to‑actual results. It is a hybrid position based in the Evanston, Illinois office (Tuesday & Thursday onsite).

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and management of annual budgets and multi‑year financial plans, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy.
• Partner with senior leaders and department heads to drive financial planning processes, translating strategic priorities into actionable financial plans while ensuring accuracy, accountability, and strategic alignment.
• Oversee monthly budget‑to‑actual variance analysis, identify key drivers, and deliver proactive recommendations to optimize costs and improve operational efficiency.
• Prepare and deliver budget‑to‑actual variance analyses and support narratives for monthly close meetings and quarterly board reports, articulating key drivers, trends, and implications relative to the approved budget.
• Develop and present financial reports, forecasts, and analyses to senior leadership and stakeholder groups, ensuring clarity and actionable insights.
• Lead and monitor the quarterly forecasting process, delivering forward‑looking projections and actionable insights to support informed decision‑making.
• Provide guidance and oversight in the preparation of high‑impact budgets by department and financial presentations for executive leadership and board‑level discussions.
• Drive continuous improvement of budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes, including tools, methodologies, and data quality enhancements.
• Mentor and develop analysts, providing coaching and quality review to strengthen team capabilities and performance.
• Act as a strategic finance partner to functional leaders, supporting decision‑making on resource allocation, planning, and cost management.
• Support large‑scale financial initiatives, system implementations, and cross‑functional projects.
• Perform other duties as directed.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in financial principles, accounting, budgeting, and variance analysis within a complex organizational environment.
• Advanced ability to analyze complex financial data, synthesize insights, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Proven ability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively to both financial and non‑financial stakeholders.
• High level of attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and integrity in financial planning and reporting.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving capabilities with the ability to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder partnership skills, with the ability to work cross‑functionally to gather inputs and drive alignment.
• Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment, managing competing priorities and adapting to changing timelines.
• Proficiency with financial systems and tools (e.g., Workday, Adaptive, Excel), including advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities.
• Advanced knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and planning methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop clear, concise presentations for executive audiences.
• Experience supporting or leading large‑scale business initiatives, including data‑driven projects, and process improvements.

Professional Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of directly related experience.
• Experience with Adaptive and Workday is strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Bonus compensation based on the level of the position.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Generous 401(k) matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay, plus an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after the first year of continuous employment.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.
• Flexible working arrangements may be discussed with your manager.

Location and Schedule

Based in the Evanston, IL office. Hybrid schedule: Tuesday & Thursday onsite.

Salary

$98,562.21 – $135,523.04, Salary.

About the Company

UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. They conduct rigorous independent research, analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.