Strategic Budget & Forecasting Lead

UL Standards & Engagement

Evanston (IL)

Hybrid

USD 98,562 - 135,523

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

401(k) matching

Job summary

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement in Evanston, IL, seeks a Budget & Financial Analyst Lead to oversee enterprise planning, budgeting, and forecasting, partnering with senior leadership to translate priorities into actionable financial plans. Hybrid work is available (Tue/Thu onsite) with a focus on cost optimization and proactive financial insights.

Leading monthly closes, board communications, and quarterly forecasts, you will influence decisions with data‑driven analyses,

Qualifications

Strong expertise in financial principles, accounting, budgeting, and variance analysis within a complex organizational environment.
Advanced ability to analyze complex financial data, synthesize insights, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
Proven ability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively to both financial and non‑financial stakeholders.
High level of attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and integrity in financial planning and reporting.
Demonstrated problem‑solving capabilities, with the ability to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
Strong collaboration and stakeholder partnership skills, with the ability to work cross‑functionally to gather inputs and drive alignment.
Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment, managing competing priorities and adapting to changing timelines.

Responsibilities

Lead development and management of annual budgets and multi‑year financial plans, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy.
Partner with senior leaders and department heads to drive financial planning processes, translating strategic priorities with actionable financial plans while ensuring accuracy, accountability, and strategic alignment.
Oversee monthly budget‑to‑actual variance analysis, identifying key drivers and delivering proactive recommendations to optimize costs and improve operational efficiency.
Prepare and deliver budget‑to‑actual variance analyses and support narrative for monthly close meetings and quarterly board reports, clearly articulating key drivers, trends, and implications relative to the approved budget.
Develop and present financial reports, forecasts, and analyses to senior leadership and department stakeholders, ensuring clarity and actionable insights.
Lead and monitor the quarterly forecasting process, delivering forward‑looking projections and actionable insights to support informed decision‑making.
Provide guidance and oversight in preparation of high‑impact budget by department and financial presentations for executive leadership and board‑level discussions.
Drive continuous improvement of budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes, including tools, methodologies, and data quality enhancements.
Mentor and develop analysts, providing coaching and quality review to strengthen team capabilities and performance.
Act as a strategic finance partner to functional leaders, supporting decision‑making on resource allocation, planning, and cost management.
Support large‑scale financial initiatives, system implementations, and cross‑functional projects.
Perform other duties as directed.