Principal Financial Analyst

Overview

This role provides strategic leadership in financial and resource planning, budget development and management, and analytical support across a complex portfolio of departments and programs within a large student affairs division. The position serves as a lead financial expert, managing multi-source budgets including state funds, student fees, contracts and grants, gift and endowment funds, auxiliary income, and other revenue sources. The Principal Analyst supports the financial health of assigned departments, advises on budget and financial matters, and develops and oversees fiscal systems, policies, and procedures to ensure operational efficiency and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex financial analyses to assess past and forecasted performance.
• Lead development and maintenance of long-range financial models and business plans.
• Prepare detailed analyses for operating, capital, and auxiliary budgets.
• Perform scenario analysis to support senior leadership decision-making.
• Serve as divisional expert in fund management and financial policy.
• Prepare, review, and approve advanced financial transactions.
• Communicate departmental financial status, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate annual budget planning for assigned departments.
• Develop revenue and expenditure projections; monitor budgets for compliance and performance.
• Collaborate with departments on financial reporting and status updates.
• Advise unit leaders on financial and operational implications of decisions.
• Prepare and present financial reports, dashboards, and forecasts.
• Oversee budget implementation and reallocation processes.
• Develop and implement internal control procedures and policies to protect assets.
• Ensure compliance with university, state, and federal financial policies.
• Coordinate division-wide financial practices including merit/salary savings, gifts, contracts, purchasing, entertainment, and travel.
• Advise managers on fund usage and delegations of authority.
• Lead or contribute to policy development aligned with financial strategies.
• Design and implement automated reporting tools and dashboards.
• Collaborate with IT and central offices to enhance financial systems.
• Provide fiscal support for major maintenance, capital projects, and space planning.
• Coordinate funding models and debt service forecasting.
• Track personnel budgets and serve as control point for HR transactions with fiscal impact.
• Support strategic initiatives, committees, and cross-functional projects.
• Provide training and guidance to budget analysts and administrative staff.
• May supervise finance, business, clerical professionals, or student workers.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field and/or equivalent experience.
• Ability to independently identify, collect, and analyze information from multiple sources.
• Advanced skills in presenting complex financial information clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and database software for complex financial analysis and reporting.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively at all organizational levels.
• Advanced critical thinking and attention to detail.
• Strong service orientation and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks in a high-volume environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work collaboratively in a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of finance policies, practices, and systems.
• In-depth understanding of internal control practices and their role in protecting resources.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $100,000 - $115,000 annually, commensurate with skills and experience.
• Full benefits eligibility.
• Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, day shift.
• Career appointment with no specified end date.

Location

• This is a fully remote position.
• Ability to work successfully from a home or remote office is required.
• Must be able to report to campus in person as operationally required with reasonable notice.

Additional Information

• Position requires passing a pre-employment criminal background check and employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Compliance with vaccination policies and mandated reporting requirements applies.
• The role involves occasional participation in committees and special projects.
• Travel is never or rarely required.
• The position is represented by a clerical employees union.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is an equal opportunity organization committed to affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories.