Financial Analyst
Company: George Mason University
Location: Fairfax
Posted on: April 20, 2024
Job Description:
Financial Analyst
10000971
Fairfax, VA
Classified Staff
Opening on: Mar 29 2024
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Department: Advancement and Alumni Relations
Classification: Financial Svcs Specialist 1
Job Category: Classified Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Remote Eligible
Pay Band: 04
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
Financial Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
The University Advancement division is a comprehensive development
and alumni relations enterprise with a staff complement of
approximately 135 FTE. Functional units within Advancement include
development/fundraising, alumni relations, stewardship and donor
relations, advancement communications, special events, gift
processing, research, prospect management, gift planning, corporate
and foundation relations, information systems and management, and
infrastructure services.
The mission of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations is to
build strong, lifelong relationships with George Mason University's
alumni and constituents while matching their philanthropic
interests with the university's aspirations and priorities.
The division is committed to serving the needs of the university,
our alumni, and the greater community by providing access to
quality education and lifelong learning. Respect, service,
integrity, collaboration, diversity, transparency, and creativity
are the values that guide our work and culture.
About the Position:
The Financial Analyst is an integral member of the Advancement and
Alumni Relations Business Office and is responsible for several
purchasing and budget functions including purchasing, reconciling
accounts, maintaining financial records, and updating internal
policies and procedures.
The Financial Analyst serves as a key strategic partner to the
Director of Finance and Operations. This position oversees the
financial operations of the Advancement and Alumni Relations
division, ensuring responsible financial stewardship and analysis,
oversight, and maintenance of operational and special project
budgets.
Responsibilities:
Budget Reports and Tracking:
- Implements budget performance tracking to ensure adherence to
any budget performance directives and mitigate any unfavorable
variances through proactive analysis and strategic
adjustments;
- Analyzes budgets and financial data for all teams in the
unit;
- Relays fiscal information relevant to stakeholders, including,
but not limited to, trend analysis, variances from
budget/projection, and year-to-date results;
- Manages assigned financial analysis and forecasting
projects;
- Develops and analyzes reports for forecasting, trending, and
results analysis;
- Identifies problems and specific issues in a particular budget
area, and recommends solutions or alternatives;
- Coordinates with finance leads across the University, including
Finance Officers and Budget Analysts, on a regular basis to enhance
analysis and enrich reporting;
- Develops tools and templates to guide budget development, and
monitors and trains appropriate staff in the application of these
tools;
- Analyzes budget activities to report on financial performance
and irregularities;
- Provides effective decision-making and accurate analysis of
data;
- Facilitates the efficient use of time, money, and
resources;
- Consolidates budget requests and prepares initial draft for
review;
- Helps ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to
management, leadership, and other financial report users; works
with staff to identify issues and provide recommendations for
resolution; and
- Provides appropriate financial reporting-related services to
other entities affiliated with the Office of Advancement and Alumni
Relations.
Purchasing and Reconciling Management:
- Develops, implements, and maintains appropriate financial and
operational practices and structures that are aligned with
University standards;
- Identifies, recommends, and implements changes to financial
processes and procedures to improve workflows;
- Creates and maintains up-to-date documentation of
procedures;
- Develops and coordinates complex projects and
assignments;
- Complies with University and federal policies and regulations
in the submission of documentation;
- Reviews and approves travel, mileage, and staff reimbursement
requests for accuracy;
- Provides individuals with feedback and guidance to fix their
forms;
- Purchases goods and services using the eVA procurement
system;
- Enters eVA confirming orders as necessary, and submits invoices
for payment;
- Manages a division-wide GMUF credit card and PCard for
purchases;
- Reconciles expenses on a regular basis;
- Processes all vouchers for Central Advancement;
- Reconciles and analyzes all reconciliation, and monthly budget
to actuals; and
- Creates and maintains all financial records.
Financial Point of Contact and Trainer:
- Implements, communicates, and manages Central Advancement's
financial procedures and financial controls in accordance with the
policies and practices of the University;
- Serves as point of contact for all questions related to
Finance, which includes:
- Purchasing (eVA, SWAM vendors, state purchase card, contract
negotiations)
- Accounts Payable (state and foundation, submitting
invoices)
- Travel/Food and Beverage
- Journal Vouchers (state and foundation)
- Reimbursements (state and foundation)
- Applies knowledge of accounting functions or principles,
general business practices, collection procedures, and/or
applicable computer systems;
- Acquires knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and
regulations;
- Applies understanding of allowable expenses for University
(E&G) and Foundation transactions;
- Requests additional detail/support from employees and/or
vendors;
- Creates guides and resources to help teach staff through
procurement processes;
- Manages and updates all financial policies and procedures for
Central Advancement to ensure they align with the organizational
goals and professional development of employees;
- Develops, manages, and delivers comprehensive financial
training of Central Advancement staff;
- Develops and delivers financial procedural and software
training programs for Central Advancement;
- Collaborates and designs training materials to maintain an
up-to-date library of financial resources;
- Delivers and provides informational material in various forms
at levels suitable for the intended audience;
- Provides ongoing support and training to applicable staff;
and
- Creates and manages all training communications as it relates
to finance in the Central Advancement Office.
Other Related Duties as Assigned:
- Handles any special projects as directed by the Director of
Finance and Operations within the scope of the role;
- Demonstrates an ability to take initiative, and follow through
on specific requests; and
- Exhibit independent decision-making.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in related field, or equivalent combination
of education and experience;
- Some demonstrated relevant work experience in purchasing,
procurement, or accounting (typically two or more years);
- Experience with purchasing policies and procedures;
- Knowledge and understanding of financial concepts (including
development, interpretation, and implementation) for financial
planning, resource planning, and control of organizational
budget;
- Knowledge and understanding of financial forecasting and
ability to learn financial and budget strategies;
- Knowledge and understanding of budgets, budget development and
implementation, and related financial reporting;
- Solid analytical skills with the ability to think
strategically;
- Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills;
ability to listen and express ideas and thoughts
effectively;
- Ability to analyze and manipulate data sets in Excel, and
transform data sets and quantitative analysis into compelling
visuals;
- Ability to run, compile, and analyze complex sets of data and
reports;
- Ability to work collaboratively, meet deadlines, anticipate
problems, and proactively alert supervisor
- Ability to effectively organize work multi-task self-initiate
tasks, and bring them to closure handle frequent interruptions in a
fast-paced work environment;
- Ability to work effectively and independently with attention to
detail;
- Prioritize workload and follow up on all processes act with
flexibility and adaptability; and
- Ability to handle highly personal information and maintain
confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in related field;
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure;
- Experience in higher education or non-profit;
- Experience working with large financial database
systems;
- Knowledge of accounting, finance, or business management,
preferably in higher education;
- Advanced proficiency in the use of Excel; and
- Knowledge of George Mason University and George Mason
University Foundation, Inc. policies and regulations.
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Financial
Analyst at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online
application to include three professional references with contact
information, and provide a cover letter and resume.
Posting Open Date: March 29, 2024
For Full Consideration, Apply by: April 12, 2024
Open Until Filled?: Yes
Keywords: George Mason University, Alexandria , Financial Analyst, Accounting, Auditing , Fairfax, Virginia
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