Stanford Libraries Financial Analyst

Job Code: 4453

Job Grade: J

Stanford Libraries connects the Stanford research and teaching community with information resources and services. The Libraries are home to a world-class collection of more than 9 million items, including books, e-books, journals, films, maps, data sets, special collections, archives, and more. The Libraries employ more than 450 staff across its academic support and administrative divisions, and those staff provide research support, data management services, discovery tools, training, digitization, and a host of other tools and services to ensure that library resources are both effectively used by our research community and well preserved for the future. With an annual operation of about $90 million, the Libraries’ budget is complex and unique with a diverse variety of funding sources including general funds, endowments, gifts, sponsored research, and auxiliary revenues.
Much more information about the organization is available on the website.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Financial Analyst supports all aspects of the Libraries’ budget planning and financial activity. Under the direction of the Director of Finance and Strategic Analysis, he or she will play an essential role in financial planning cycles throughout the year and be a strong partner with directors to strengthen the finance infrastructure of the Libraries. He or she will be responsible for performing long-range forecasts of key elements in the consolidated budget, leading the quarterly variance analysis, engaging in initiatives that improve existing processes, providing analytical support for strategic projects, and so on. This is a great opportunity to make significant contributions to a relatively new team.

CORE DUTIES*:

• Research, and synthesize data; interpolate results from large amounts of data, identify trends in data, draw conclusions, develop solutions, present and implement recommendations, and create follow up analysis.
• Develop complex budget and forecasting scenarios, long-range planning and analyses for financial reporting and presentations; design and run ad hoc reports.
• Perform highly analytical budget control functions, and multi-dimensional reconciliations and related analysis; prepare and review complex and higher-level dollar value transactions.
• Identify and resolve unique issues with substantial significance; recognize exceptions, and conduct in-depth analysis using advanced technical knowledge and experience.
• Recommend and develop solutions that may require policy changes or the development of new processes; maintain broader organizational and university perspective in decision making.
• Involve in unit or cross functional projects and teams, recommend decisions regarding projects and programs affecting operational effectiveness, policies, or processes.
• Engage in continuous critical analysis of existing systems and processes; make recommendations to achieve greater efficiencies and improve internal controls. Define requirements, develop and implement complex test cases, perform testing and analyze results.
• Support unit and organization strategy and change management initiatives.
• Provide training on financial systems as needed. Serve as subject matter expert on matters that involve complex technical, financial, or subject matter expertise.
• Assess client and business needs, and formulate recommendations to determine approach to managing and completing processes.
• – Other duties may also be assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree and six years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Advanced proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel.
• Advanced knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning and financial systems; internet and computer literacy.
• Knowledge of Fund Accounting and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Advanced professional communication skills, including ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and management.
• Strong project management skills and ability to contribute to or lead part of a multi-functional team.

OTHER RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

• A self-starter who is curious to learn
• A problem-solver who can navigate through ambigious situations independently
• Advanced knowledge of financial systems, preferably Tidemark and Oracle Business Intelligence tools

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Constantly sitting.
• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork.
• Occasionally stand/walk, lift/carry objects weighing 11-20 pounds.
• Rarely reach/work above shoulder.

• – Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Routine extended working hours during peak cycles; travel to school/unit sites across university.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and is committed to recruiting and hiring without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.