University of Chicago · 2 months ago
Financial Systems and Controls Architect
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$100K/yr - $115K/yr
5+ years expThe University of Chicago, through its Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, is seeking a Financial Systems and Controls Architect to strategically design and optimize financial information and reporting structures. This role involves architecting scalable financial systems, enhancing data integrity, and supporting budgeting and investment management while collaborating with leadership during the Oracle conversion process.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Develops and delivers comprehensive financial reports and analytic dashboards to optimize financial information accessibility and reliability and enable rapid, informed decision-making
Drives change management efforts by partnering with key UChicago stakeholders to streamline and automate financial processes that reduce bottlenecks and improve both time and cost efficiencies
Collaborates with PME and Central IT, accounting, and research administration teams to align financial data architecture, reporting hierarchies, and system integrations within Oracle and related platforms
Leads and participates in financial systems and analytics projects that encompass sponsored research, general funds, discretionary accounts, gifts, endowments, and other institutional funding streams to enhance data transparency and financial efficiency
Designs, evaluates, and refines financial systems to ensure robust tracking and reporting. Develops and delivers comprehensive financial reports and analytic dashboards for grants and receivable status
Develops sophisticated financial models, ensuring predictive accuracy, scenario analysis, and optimization
Conducts detailed financial audits including unbilled and unpaid receivables, collaborating across departments to resolve discrepancies and strengthen controls
Leads analysis and reporting initiatives, developing internal and external financial reports that drive strategic decision-making. Advises leadership on cost management, investment strategies, and long-term financial planning
Partners with accounting and billing teams in the development and management of centralized billing and account receivables processes
Carries out risk assessments and opportunity analysis, providing actionable recommendations
Initiates and oversees special financial projects focused on innovation, compliance, and process optimization
Analyzes faculty grant activity and portfolios, including evaluating past funding success, current grant activity, trends and spend rate, and strategic alignment with PME goals, and recommends areas for improvement
Designs and develops high-impact grant applications and support financial documentation. Oversees grant budgets, ensuring unbilled and unpaid receivables are closely tracked, validated, and resolved in regular audits. Ensures compliance with grantor regulations and internal policies
Collaborates regularly with central billing and account receivables teams to optimize collections and compliance efforts. Fosters teamwork and communication across programs, finance units, and external partners
Works independently to maintain and support the planning and execution of financial strategy
Uses best practices and in-depth financial knowledge to assist in the preparation of annual budgets. Works with minimal guidance to provide analytical support for complex budget projects. Examines past budgets and researches economic and financial developments that affect spending
Performs other related work as needed
Qualification
Required
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline
Develops and delivers comprehensive financial reports and analytic dashboards to optimize financial information accessibility and reliability and enable rapid, informed decision-making
Drives change management efforts by partnering with key UChicago stakeholders to streamline and automate financial processes that reduce bottlenecks and improve both time and cost efficiencies
Collaborates with PME and Central IT, accounting, and research administration teams to align financial data architecture, reporting hierarchies, and system integrations within Oracle and related platforms
Leads and participates in financial systems and analytics projects that encompass sponsored research, general funds, discretionary accounts, gifts, endowments, and other institutional funding streams to enhance data transparency and financial efficiency
Designs, evaluates, and refines financial systems to ensure robust tracking and reporting
Develops sophisticated financial models, ensuring predictive accuracy, scenario analysis, and optimization
Conducts detailed financial audits including unbilled and unpaid receivables, collaborating across departments to resolve discrepancies and strengthen controls
Leads analysis and reporting initiatives, developing internal and external financial reports that drive strategic decision-making
Advises leadership on cost management, investment strategies, and long-term financial planning
Partners with accounting and billing teams in the development and management of centralized billing and account receivables processes
Carries out risk assessments and opportunity analysis, providing actionable recommendations
Initiates and oversees special financial projects focused on innovation, compliance, and process optimization
Analyzes faculty grant activity and portfolios, including evaluating past funding success, current grant activity, trends and spend rate, and strategic alignment with PME goals, and recommends areas for improvement
Designs and develops high-impact grant applications and support financial documentation
Oversees grant budgets, ensuring unbilled and unpaid receivables are closely tracked, validated, and resolved in regular audits
Ensures compliance with grantor regulations and internal policies
Collaborates regularly with central billing and account receivables teams to optimize collections and compliance efforts
Fosters teamwork and communication across programs, finance units, and external partners
Works independently to maintain and support the planning and execution of financial strategy
Uses best practices and in-depth financial knowledge to assist in the preparation of annual budgets
Works with minimal guidance to provide analytical support for complex budget projects
Examines past budgets and researches economic and financial developments that affect spending
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (required)
Professional References Contact Information (3)(required)
Preferred
Advanced experience in financial audits, especially receivables (unbilled/unpaid), reconciliations, financial analysis, budgeting, reporting skills and compliance reviews
High-level proficiency in accounting, Oracle ERP systems, financial reporting, IT integration, and research administration
Proficiency in Oracle and SQL
Proficiency in report development and analytical tools (Excel, BI platforms, or similar)
Expertise in financial modeling, quantitative and qualitative data analysis
Think strategically while maintaining exceptional attention to detail in accounting and financial reporting
Proven ability to lead through influence by consulting with key stakeholders (accounting, billing, grants, leadership) across all organizational levels to drive process innovation and system-wide improvement
Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills
Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
Strong teamwork, consensus-building skills, and collaboration
Change management and process implementation skills
Deep understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and risk analysis
Strong understanding of grant management software and financial analytic tools
Knowledge of relevant grant regulations and compliance requirements
Benefits
Health, retirement, and paid time off
Company
University of Chicago
One of the world’s great intellectual destinations, the University of Chicago empowers scholars and students to ask tough questions, cross disciplinary boundaries, and challenge conventional thinking to enrich human life around the globe.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Chicago has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (341)
2024 (318)
2023 (285)
2022 (233)
2021 (179)
2020 (172)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Benedicte Nolens
Distinguished Executive in Residence
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