Financial Reporting and Special Projects Analyst

Southwestern University; South Carolina; On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwestern University is seeking an entry‑level Financial Reporting & Special Projects Analyst to support the university’s financial reporting, analysis, and business office operations.

You will prepare financial reports, analyze data, and assist with dashboards and special projects." The role emphasizes learning, problem solving, and clear communication as you work with ERP systems and leadership across the Business Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in accounting, finance, business, or related field.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn new systems quickly and communicate clearly.
• Detail‑oriented with accuracy and organization.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Assist with monthly, year-end, audit, and variance reporting.
• Prepare financial schedules, spreadsheets, reconciliations, and supporting analyses.
• Compile, validate, analyze, and organize financial and operational data from University systems.
• Assist with financial analysis, forecasting, projections, and ad hoc reporting.
• Assist with development and maintenance of financial dashboards, reports, and data visualizations.
• Use Excel and other tools to analyze and communicate financial information.
• Learn and effectively use the University’s ERP and reporting systems.
• Improve the accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of financial reporting.
• Develop reports, presentations, summaries for Business Office leadership.
• Independently manage assigned work and follow projects through to completion.
• Additional duties: support research and special projects as needed.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Data interpretation

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Learning agility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics, Business Analytics, Information Systems, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Financial Reporting & Special Projects Analyst is an entry-level professional position supporting the University’s financial reporting, analysis, research, and Business Office operations. The Analyst works closely with Business Office leadership to prepare financial reports and analyses, organize and interpret data, support reporting tools and systems, and assist with special projects.

The position is designed for an analytical and technically curious individual who is eager to learn. The successful candidate will be able to work with data, learn new systems and processes, conduct research, solve problems, and communicate information clearly.

• Assist with monthly, year-end, audit, and other financial reporting activities, including budgetto-actual and variance reporting.
• Prepare financial schedules, spreadsheets, reconciliations, and supporting analyses.
• Compile, validate, analyze, and organize financial and operational data from University systems and other sources.
• Assist with financial analysis, forecasting, projections, and ad hoc reporting. ? Assist with development and maintenance of financial dashboards, reports, and data visualizations.
• Use Microsoft Excel and other reporting tools to analyze and communicate financial and operational information.
• Learn and effectively use the University’s ERP, financial reporting, and other business systems.
• Assist with improving the accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of financial reporting and analytical processes.
• Develop reports, presentations, summaries, and other materials for Business Office leadership and University stakeholders.
• Independently manage assigned work, research unfamiliar topics or processes, and follow projects through to completion.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Conduct financial, operational, higher education, benchmarking, and other research as requested.
• Support special projects involving financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, data validation, process improvement, and operational analysis.
• Assist with leadership and committee meeting preparation, presentations, and follow-up analysis.
• Assist with process documentation, process mapping, and development of standard operating procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve, streamline, or automate Business Office processes and reporting.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics, Business Analytics, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Working proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn new systems, processes, concepts, and technology quickly.
• Ability to organize, analyze, and communicate.
• information clearly.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct research and synthesize information from multiple sources.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Internship, student employment, or professional experience involving finance, accounting, data analysis, business operations, research, or a related area.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookup functions, or similar functionality.
• Experience with ERP, accounting, financial reporting, business intelligence, or data visualization systems.
• Experience working with large datasets, dashboards, financial models, or analytical reports.
• Experience with financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, or financial analysis.

Professional experience in higher education is not required.

Starting annual salary: $55,432. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting annual salary.

This position is not eligible for employer immigration sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer-sponsored work authorization

This position is not eligible for relocation reimbursement.