Financial Analyst III

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 47,600 - 90,400; Full time

Job summary

Huntsman Cancer Institute is seeking a Financial Analyst III to support the annual budget process and optimize resources across departments. You will analyze financial data, build models, and prepare reports for department heads and principal investigators, reporting to the Director of Finance & Accounting.

The role emphasizes collaboration with cross-functional teams, data extraction from finance systems, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) plus 6 years of related work experience, or a master's (or equivalency) plus 4 years.
• Experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting in an education or research setting preferred.
• Strong analytical, data management, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain financial models for budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Prepare financial plans and budgets aligned with department objectives.
• Present financial analyses to department heads and senior leaders.

Skills

Financial modeling

Forecasting

Excel

PowerPoint

Fund accounting

Communication

Analytical skills

Anaplan

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

PeopleSoft

Anaplan

Job description

Financial Analyst III

Job Summary

The Finance Analyst is a newly created role to expand HCI's Finance team and to deepen support of HCI's research, outreach, and education department heads and principal investigators (PIs). The Finance Analyst plays a critical role in the annual budget process and in enabling teams to optimize their financial resources throughout the year. The Finance Analyst reports to HCI's Director, Finance & Accounting.

Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve, with impact worldwide.

In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute's mission and this position.

Responsibilities

• Financial Planning and Analysis:
  • Develop an in-depth understanding of supported departments' work and objectives.
  • Prepare financial plans and budgets, ensuring alignment with HCI objectives.
  • Assist in annual budget preparation and regularly monitor budget adherence, identifying areas for cost optimization.
  • Monitor activities/grants monthly for overspending and work with department head/PI to promptly address.
  • Analyze financial data to identify trends and areas for improvement and explain variances.
  • Develop and maintain financial models for budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
  • Analyze financial data and build financial models to support decision-making.
• Reporting:
  • Prepare and present financial reports and analyses to department heads, PIs, and senior leaders, highlighting key findings and recommendations.
  • Ensure department heads and PIs understand their sources of financial support and funding use restrictions.
  • Develop a deep understanding of HCI/UU financial systems and available data sources; develop data queries and reports as needed.
  • Communicate financial information clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Respond to ad hoc questions and data requests.
  • Assist with annual budget reporting, as needed, including investigation of and compilation of variance explanations.
  • Assist with the preparation and tracking of the commitments schedule and recruitment budget.
• Accounting:
  • Review monthly transactions to ensure accuracy.
  • Prepare journal entries for intra-fund transfers and expense corrections.
  • Open, update, and inactivate chartfield activities and grants.
  • Calculate salary caps and payroll distributions to comply with federal grant requirements.
  • Review purchases and contracts to ensure sufficient cash and budget are available.
  • Generate accounts receivable invoices for assigned shared-resource recharge centers.
  • Ensure correct payroll distributions are maintained in the system of record.
• Process Improvement:
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial planning, reporting and analysis.
  • Participate in the design, implementation, and review of financial and accounting systems.
  • Develop and refine budgeting and forecasting methodologies to improve accuracy.
• Collaboration:
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to gather information and develop insights.
  • Provide support and guidance to other finance team members.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required
Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking. Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Financial Analyst, III: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

Experience: Typically requires 3-5 years of experience in financial analysis or a related field. Prefer previous experience in higher education research environment with knowledge of fund accounting and grants.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and forecasting.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Advanced knowledge of financial software (e.g., Excel, PeopleSoft, Anaplan) and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of fund accounting principles and financial reporting standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize workload and manage time effectively.

Application Details

Requisition Number: PRN45654B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Department: 01259 - HCI Finance

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: 47600 to 90400

Close Date: 9/15/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/205465