Financial Analyst 2

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University’s Land, Buildings & Real Estate Finance for Operations FP&A team is seeking a financial analyst who loves data and storytelling. You will perform analyses, build budgets, and present insights to executives, turning complex numbers into clear narratives for non-technical staff.

Strong analytical skills, collaboration, and a passion for finance are essential, with comfort using Oracle and Adaptive Planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and reporting tools.
• Strong communication and project management skills.
• Knowledge of GAAP and financial systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform ad hoc analyses of large data sets and reconcile accounts.
• Develop annual budgets, mid-year reforecasts, and variance explanations.
• Create reports and presentations for management and external parties.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and system enhancements.
• Provide consulting support to client groups and collaborate with stakeholders.

Skills

Financial systems knowledge

Strong communication

Analytical skills

Independent worker

Team player

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Oracle

Adaptive Planning

Excel

Job description

Welcome to Land, Buildings & Real Estate:

Land, Buildings & Real Estate (LBRE) is the operational core of Stanford University’s physical
campus. LBRE constructs and maintains the Stanford campus, where advancements across the
academic spectrum are made possible. Our work is founded upon the collective value of
dedication, innovation, expertise, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We are committed
to serving the university’s academic mission, as well as preserving and enhancing Stanford’s
8,180 acres, and pride ourselves on supporting the teaching and research of the university as
“Caretakers of a Legacy.”

Who we are:

Finance & Administration (F&A) provides the foundation for Land, Buildings & Real Estate
(LBRE) operations including budgets, capital funding coordination and documentation,
information technology systems, authority and approvals, internal controls, compliance,
accounting and reporting and human resources for LBRE. We are the liaison with other
university financial departments, Research Administration, Human Resources, the Cabinet and
Board of Trustees.

Within F&A is the Finance for Operations group, which is comprised of three teams: Financial
Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Finance Operations (FinOps) and Finance P2P. This position is part
of the FP&A team.

Who you are:

You have a passion for all things math, systems and business. You realized that Finance
perfectly blends these together and this is why you pursued a career in Finance! You are also a
financial analyst who is highly analytical and communicates effectively with anyone within an
organization. You possess strong interpersonal communication skills both written and verbal.

You have a proven track record of using analysis to influence decision-making, and can
successfully articulate insights and outcomes to executives and peers. That means that you can
take financial data and translate that into a story that is understandable for our non-technical
staff and leave the financial jargon out of it when necessary.

You are more than comfortable with technology, both financial systems and non-financial
systems. Experience with Adaptive Planning is a plus but not required, you’re a fast learner who
can quickly pick up new tools and operate independently with minimal supervision. You
embrace technology, recognizing its value as a powerful complement to financial analysis.
You’re also open to leveraging emerging tools, including AI, to enhance efficiency, uncover
insights, and drive smarter decision-making.

You like to share your knowledge with others because you thrive in a collaborative
environment. While you may be new to a role or even new to using a system, once you learn it,
you enjoy sharing that knowledge with team members.

You are meticulously detail oriented, insatiably curious, and full of integrity.

Who will you support:

There are many departments at LBRE, your primary focus will be on, but not limited to,
Sustainability, Utilities, and Infrastructure, and Facilities Operations.

In addition to Core Duties, what work will you do

• Financial planning and analysis for various LBRE departments; develop detailed annual
  budget, full-mid-year reforecast, capital plan, critically investigate and write up
  informative variance explanations. Present high level summary of recommendations to
  stakeholders.
• Interpret, implement and ensure compliance with university policies and procedures
  (particularly as related to service centers and various fund types).
• Perform and design ad hoc analyses of large complex data sets. Reconcile multiple
  complex clearing accounts.
• Develop reports and presentations of complex financial data and metrics for
  management and third parties.
• Participate in critical analysis of existing systems and processes, and identify
  opportunities for process improvement.
• Identify and resolve unique issues with substantial significance; recognize exceptions.
  Participate in developing solutions that may require policy changes or the development
  of new processes; maintain broader organizational perspective in decision making.

Additional duties as applicable to the role

What we are looking for:

• Demonstrated knowledge of financial systems and aptitude to learn new systems
• Strong verbal and written communication, and presentation skills
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to work independently and as a team player
• Proven ability to perform with a high degree of accuracy under tight deadlines and
  ability to effectively multitask.

Preferred but not required

• Proficiency with Oracle systems in general
• Proficiency with Adaptive Planning
• MBA or CPA

Responsibilities

Core Duties

• Perform and design ad hoc analyses of large complex data sets:reconcile complex accounts. Identify and resolve complex issues whichmay span multiple areas.
• Construct and assemble data for budgeting and decision making;develop conclusions, and present high level summary of recommendations.May develop annual budget for individual department/unit.
• Conduct analysis and resolution, and recognize exceptions.Participate in developing solutions that may require policy changes orthe development of new processes; maintain broader organizationalperspective in decision making.
• Execute internal control programs established by management,research new regulations, and recommend and implement approved changes.May manage compliance program for area of responsibility, and createcomplex compliance reports.
• Develop reports and presentations of complex financial data andmetrics for management and third parties.
• Participate as a member of a project team; support newinitiatives. Make decisions determining approach to managing andcompleting processes.
• Contribute to unit and organization strategy; assist in thedevelopment of change management plans and materials as needed.
• Develop and maintain desktop procedures and process documentationfor area of responsibility.
• Define requirements, develop and implement complex test cases,perform system testing and analyze results.
• Participate in critical analysis of existing systems andprocesses, and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Provide consulting advice to client group(s); serve as a resourceon matters that require specific technical, financial, or subject matterexpertise; support negotiations with external partners.
• May supervise, train, coach, and review the work of other staff,as needed. Contribute primarily through applying individualexpertise.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience orcombination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced proficiency in business applications, such as MicrosoftOffice suite, especially Excel.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial systems; internet andcomputer literacy.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles(GAAP).
• Strong communication skills, including ability to preparematerials for and clearly and effectively communicate information tointernal and external audiences and client groups.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to contributeto or lead part of a multi-functional team.