Financial Analyst

Alfred University; Town of Alfred (NY); On-site; USD 74,549 - 78,841; Full time

Job summary

Alfred University is seeking a Financial Analyst to join the Finance team in Alfred, NY. You will analyze budgets, build forecasts, and develop financial models to inform the CFO and university leadership.

You’ll monitor operating budgets, identify risks, and collaborate with campus departments to ensure timely month‑end closes and board‑ready reporting. An MBA and at least five years of budgeting experience in higher education are required.

Qualifications

• MBA required with substantial budgeting and forecasting experience.
• Experience translating data into actionable university insights.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse campus stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide data analysis, forecasting, and projections to inform decision-making.
• Monitor and evaluate operating budget performance across departments.
• Develop financial models and recommend sustainable solutions.
• Collaborate with budget managers to develop the university budget for CFO approval.
• Support monthly close processes and related reporting to leadership.
• Prepare Board-related communications and meetings.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Data analysis

Financial modeling

Communication

Education

MBA

Tools

STC Banner

Asana

AchieveIt

Job description

Salary

$74,549-$78,841 Annually

Essential Functions

• Provide data analysis, forecasting, and projections to the CFO to inform decision-making, assess institutional performance, and guide strategic direction
• Work as part of a Financial Analyst team to monitor and evaluate operating budget performance across departments; proactively identify risks, recommend corrective actions, and ensure fiscal accountability
• Serve as subject‑matter expert for departments on budget inquiries; provide data‑driven insights, develop financial models, and recommend sustainable solutions
• Partner with finance team members and budget managers to develop the budget for approval by the CFO and Cabinet for presentation to the board of trustees
• Assist divisions with budget analysis and reporting
• Collaborate with the Controller to follow up with divisions to support the monthly close timeline, identify bottlenecks and solutions in conjunction with the Controller to ensure a timely and accurate month‑end close process
• Under guidance of the CFO, examine and interpret financial activity; perform variance analysis, root‑cause investigations, and present recommendations to University leadership
• Assist in the preparation of Board‑related communications and meetings

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with projects as assigned
• Assist with year‑end audit reconciliations and analysis as needed
• Other duties as assigned
• Support and assist in creating intersections for faculty, staff, and students that will assist in transforming people’s lives
• Support and assist in creating an evolving culture of mentoring and rich engagement opportunities for faculty, staff, and students
• Maintain a commitment to mentorship, intersections and belonging with a high degree of cultural competence and respect for a wide range of identities and experiences, welcoming and supporting all faculty, staff, and students and expanding access to the AU experience
• Maintain a safe working environment within and around facilities and equipment and supplies, including obtaining Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information for hazards
• Participate in all required training, including safety training and comply with safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Exhibit effective written and oral communication skills
• Contribute to the overall success of the University by performing other duties as assigned
• Confidentially & Accuracy
  • This position has access to all account balances and student record information. Confidentiality is of utmost importance. Student information contains the student’s social security number and other personal data and must not be shared without appropriate authorization. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential. The position is subject to continuous interruptions and requires the ability to maintain concentration and focus with a pleasing disposition
  • Safety: Participate in safety training and comply with safety rules, regulations, and protocols
  • Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned

Qualifications – Education & Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Formal Education
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree required
• Experience
  • 5 years of budgeting, modeling and projecting experience required
• Knowledge
  • Working functional knowledge of Accounting and ERP Systems such as STC Banner
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Accounting Principles (GAAP) and procedures
  • Understanding of financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting, with ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for leadership
  • Substantial working knowledge of Project Management methodology and/or Business Process Analysis
  • Working functional knowledge of Project Management Software such as Asana and AchieveIt
  • Demonstrated knowledge of strategic planning best practices
  • Understanding of higher education administration operations and best practices
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Additional Knowledge/Skills
  • Superior skills or attributes: sound judgment, discretion, dependability, organizational and interpersonal skills, professional work output, energy and enthusiasm; ability to interact with all levels of the AU community and constituents, diplomacy, initiative, function independently with occasional review and direction; ability to multi‑task in fast‑paced environment and prioritize; strictest level of confidentiality required
  • Machines: Fax, Copier, and Calculator
• Essential Functions
  • Read, write, and speak English at a college level; perform complex mathematical calculations, statistical calculations, and other higher mathematical operations; communicate with all levels of the institution in written and spoken form; work independently; maintain regular and prompt attendance

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when required. A respiratory function test and the ability to use respirators may be required. Stairs and uneven surfaces may be present; artificial lifts, etc. may or may not be available. The position may require the incumbent to walk outdoors in all types of weather to other buildings or offices located on the campus. The campus is located in an area that contains numerous hills and slopes and may not always be fully accessible for mobility impaired individuals.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.