Budget Analyst II

Under the limited direction of the Budget Director, performs complex budget projections, analyses of actual activity, and cost feasibility studies to facilitate decision-making and planning. Prepares and presents business cases and budget proposals for specific projects or ongoing operational needs.

Monitors budgetary and financial activity for assigned units, including required reporting in support of that activity, and provides recommendations as needed. Evaluates unit budgetary requests, including analysis of available funds, creating reports if needed.

Sets own work priorities and exercises independent judgment and problem-solving skills in making decisions concerning data analysis and recommendations.

Works closely with University offices to create and maintain unit-specific and University-wide financial reports, many of which are utilized for controlling and monitoring University-wide finances.

Communications are primarily with the Budget Director, Chief Budget Officer, College Business Officers, and other administrative and academic unit administrators and financial managers. Most communications relate to budget requests, budget or actual transactions, or UD Financial system issues.

Major Responsibilities

• Perform customized financial analyses, including complex budget projections, analyses of actual activity, variance analyses and cost feasibility studies to facilitate decision-making and planning. Prepare materials to summarize and justify program budget requests, including data gathering/reporting and trend analyses in connection with budgetary formulation and administration. Prepare and present business cases and budget proposals for specific projects or ongoing operational needs.
• Develop and prepare reports utilizing various reporting and analysis tools, including but not limited to PeopleSoft Query, Microsoft Access and Excel and IBM Cognos. Such reports are in support of the budgetary preparation and monitoring process, including analysis of financial, student and HR system/subsystem activity in comparison to anticipated budgetary outcome at both the unit and University-wide levels. Reports will also be used to maintain financial data integrity university-wide.
• Prepare and review fiscal year-end projections and variance analysis for selected areas, including analysis of budgetary and financial compliance. Provide recommendations and means of resolution for potential financial/budgetary problems and for improving financial/budgetary process and procedures. Advise administrators for assigned units on budgetary/fiscal matters, including interpretation of related information.
• Prepare reports for the Board of Trustees, including analysis and compilation of financial information for a Quarterly Report of financial activity to the Finance Committee.
• With the Budget Director, works closely with General Accounting and University Finance to create and maintain the University-wide financial control reports, such as the Trial Balance, Statement of Changes and the Current Budget report. These reports are used by major University financial offices in the controlling and monitoring of University finances. Also creates other reports as needed, working closely with other University offices, including but not limited to, the President’s Office, Executive Vice President and other Vice Presidents’ offices.
• Assist as needed with the Budget preparation and turnaround process, including both the summary budget for the Board of Trustees and the detailed budget preparation processes. Participate in the final consolidation of budget details and entry into the beginning budget during the budget turnaround process, including using the PeopleSoft Allocations tool and Microsoft Access.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and six years’ related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in accounting, finance, or other business-related discipline preferred. Higher-education experience preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of budgeting, capital budgeting, financial reporting and analysis; of the principles and practices of budget control systems, and electronic data processing as it applies to budgeting. Ability to execute and integrate complex financial analyses and prepare comprehensive budget summaries and projections, as is knowledge of software to quantify and illustrate complex financial reports, comparisons, impacts and projections.
• Ability to translate data from reports and analytical studies into concise written reports is necessary.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to deal with people in an effective and tactful manner.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Skill in preparing budgets and forecasting.
• Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures.
• Demonstrated analytical skills that allow for interpretation of budgetary, financial information.
• Excellent writing skills sufficient to draft professional reports and correspondence that is are clear and concise.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills to work independently and to prioritize work under the pressure of competing assignments.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Excellent numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion, especially with regards to sensitive or confidential personnel or organizational matters.
• Excellent computer skills and experience using spreadsheet, charting, and other software tools, such as Microsoft Word, Excel (intermediate proficiency required), PowerPoint, and Outlook. Ability to use software tools to present data clearly and concisely.