Lead Financial Analyst

University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pittsburgh seeks a Lead Financial Analyst to drive the transformation of financial reporting and analytics. The role develops automated dashboards and self‑service reporting, leveraging Power BI, Excel, SQL, and related tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Collaboration with IT and finance, mentorship of analysts, and establishing best practices in data governance are core to the scope, with a hybrid work arrangement on campus and remote as determined by the department.

Qualifications

• Lead the transformation of financial reporting and analytics.
• Collaborate with IT and finance to improve data governance and data quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the modernization of financial reporting with automated dashboards and self-service analytics.
• Design, develop, and maintain reporting solutions using tools such as Power BI, Excel, SQL, and other BI platforms.
• Transform manual reporting processes into scalable, automated solutions to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Develop standardized reporting packages, KPIs, and dashboards for strategic and operational decisions.
• Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes through automation and technology solutions.
• Design and implement automated processes using VBA, Power Query, SQL, Power Automate.
• Mentor analysts on reporting best practices and data analysis methodologies.
• Promote standardized reporting tools, templates, and documentation across the finance organization.

Skills

Power BI

Excel

SQL

VBA

Power Query

Power Automate

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Power BI

Excel

SQL

VBA

Power Query

Power Automate

Job description

Job Description - Lead Financial Analyst (26004927)

Office of Administration-Health Sciences - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - ( 26004927 )

Position Summary:

The Lead Financial Analyst serves as a key technical leader within the Financial Planning & Analysis team, driving the transformation of financial reporting, data analytics, and business processes across the organization. This role is responsible for developing automated reporting solutions, improving data integrity, optimizing financial processes, and leveraging modern reporting tools to enhance decision-making. The position partners closely with finance leadership, IT, and operational stakeholders to create scalable solutions that reduce manual effort, improve reporting accuracy, and establish best practices for financial analytics.

Key Responsibilities:

Reporting Transformation & Business Intelligence

• Lead the modernization of financial reporting through the development of automated dashboards, self-service reporting, and executive-level analytics.
• Design, develop, and maintain reporting solutions using tools such as Power BI, Excel, SQL, and other business intelligence platforms.
• Transform manual reporting processes into scalable, automated solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility.
• Develop standardized reporting packages, KPIs, and dashboards to support strategic and operational decision-making.

Process Automation & Operational Excellence

• Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes through automation, workflow improvements, and technology solutions.
• Design and implement automated processes utilizing VBA, Power Query, SQL, Power Automate, and other automation tools.
• Reduce manual effort by eliminating repetitive tasks and improving process consistency across the finance organization.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing efficiency, strengthening internal controls, and enhancing data quality.

Data Management & Analytics

• Develop, maintain, and optimize financial data models to support budgeting, forecasting, and reporting activities.
• Write and optimize SQL queries, data transformations, and data validation processes to ensure accurate and reliable financial information.
• Collaborate with IT and data management teams to improve data governance, integration, and accessibility.
• Perform complex financial and operational analyses to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.

Technical Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as the team's subject matter expert for reporting technologies, automation tools, and financial data architecture.
• Partner with finance leadership and business stakeholders to understand reporting needs and develop innovative analytical solutions.
• Mentor financial analysts on reporting best practices, automation techniques, and data analysis methodologies.
• Promote the adoption of standardized reporting tools, templates, and documentation across the finance organization.

Governance & Documentation

• Develop and maintain documentation for reporting solutions, automated processes, and data models.
• Establish reporting standards and best practices to ensure consistency, accuracy, and sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies related to financial reporting, data governance, and internal controls.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate emerging technologies and analytical tools that can enhance the finance function.
• Lead initiatives to modernize financial systems, reporting capabilities, and business processes.
• Recommend and implement innovative solutions that improve financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and decision support.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to leverage technology and analytics to drive organizational performance.

Job Summary

Prepares and analyzes complex financial statements and handles assigned projects' expenses; prepares complex financial reports and audit analyses. Performs advanced analysis of financials, determines cost saving strategies, and assists with budgetary functions.

Essential Functions

Reporting Transformation & Business Intelligence.

Process Automation & Operational Excellence.

Technical Leadership & Collaboration.

Governance & Documentation.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement.

.

Physical Effort

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Assignment Category Full-time regular

Job Family Finance & Procurement

Campus Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required 3

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience? Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.

Hiring Range $58.979 to $83,553 annually

Relocation Offered No

Visa Sponsorship Provided No

Background Check For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances Not Applicable

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.