Strategic Finance Analyst - Budgeting, Forecasting & Insights

Columbia University in the City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University in the City of New York is seeking a Senior Finance Analyst to support the Finance Division’s accounting, reporting, and strategic decision-making. This role reports to the Director of Finance and Administration and emphasizes proactive follow-up, cross-department collaboration, and transparent communication.

The position requires strong Excel skills, data analysis, and experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting in a complex organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
• Minimum of four years of related experience

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex accounting activities, including the review of trial balances and preparation of month-end entries, payroll allocations, recoveries, transfers, accruals, deferrals, and student-related fees.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and integrity of financial transactions.
• Initiate and process journal entries, internal transfers, deposits, and other financial transactions.
• Compile and review supporting documentation to ensure proper coding, approvals, and policy compliance.
• Reconcile discrepancies, evaluate conflicting information, and research transaction issues to resolution.
• Ensure continued compliance with all University and affiliate policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Collaborate with departments to help develop quarterly forecasts and annual budget submissions.
• Conduct variance analysis and forecasting for major revenue and expense categories.
• Help guide department heads, aligning budgets with departmental goals and resolving complex financial issues.
• Assist with report automation and enhanced financial reporting of budgets, financial data, and key metrics to inform senior leadership decision-making.
• Prepare monthly financial reports and analyze trends and variances to support quarterly variance reporting.
• Communicate monthly and quarterly results and budget impacts to the Director and Assistant Director.
• Monitor and communicate budget changes affecting assigned departments, coordinating with cross-departmental staff to ensure alignment.

Skills

Excel

Data analysis

Forecasting

Variance analysis

Financial modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Tools

ERP system

Job description

Columbia University in the City of New York is seeking a Senior Finance Analyst to support the Finance Division’s accounting, reporting, and strategic decision-making. This role reports to the Director of Finance and Administration and emphasizes proactive follow-up, cross-department collaboration, and transparent communication.

The position requires strong Excel skills, data analysis, and experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting in a complex organization.