University of Chicago · 3 weeks ago
Finance Administrator
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Entry, Mid Level
$70K/yr - $77K/yr
2+ years expThe University of Chicago is a leading institution focused on advancing understanding in energy and climate issues. The Finance Administrator will oversee budget development and provide financial management support, focusing on financial data analytics and reporting to evaluate performance across departments.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Analyzes, reviews, and tracks financial activities for the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth (ICSG), Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), Climate Systems Engineering Initiative (CSEi), the Energy and Environment Lab (E&E Lab), and other programs, with a focus on finance, auditing, budgeting, forecasting, and purchasing
Builds and maintains complex financial models using Excel and other tools
Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual variance reports; flags inconsistencies and submits account corrections as needed, both payroll and non-payroll
Prepares monthly reports, conducts and corrects errors in accounts using existing procedures that are in place, and provides advice on the financial impact of human resources and academic affairs decisions
Routinely prepares budgets, creates accounts; and monitors, allocates, authorizes, and controls expenses using the University’s financial accounting system
Helps prepare monthly reports and identifies/corrects account errors using standard procedures
Plans, develops, and manages budgets, including multi-year forecasting
Assists the Finance Manager in the annual budget process, including preparing departmental budget packets and entering data into UCPlan
Monitors and reconciles actuals vs. budget; works with departments to understand variances and suggest course corrections
Oversees and tracks multi-year faculty fund support packages; provides periodic reports to faculty
Assists the Finance Manager in developing performance metrics and methodologies to evaluate financial health across units
Oversees review, approval, and reporting of expenditures, goods, services, and cost allocations
Prepares and submits financial transactions through Oracle and Concur; assists with payment processing and procurement
Supports staff with the GEMS system and ensures regular reconciliation of transactions
Coordinates calls for proposals and manages internal faculty grant awards
Assists in reviewing and executing contracts and data use agreements; liaise with vendors to ensure compliance with University standards
Works with UChicago Global and UC Trust to manage international fund transfers
Collaborates with the Clean Air team to oversee funding disbursements to global external partners
Acts as the primary account administrator, providing intensive customer service to account owners
Liaise with Financial Services and internal stakeholders as necessary
Helps develop and maintain a Financial Administration manual with key policies and procedures
Provides financial guidance related to HR and academic decisions
Ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable data visualization tools and dashboards to support financial reporting, forecasting, and decision-making
Work closely with the Finance Manager in organizing and synthesizing complex financial data into user-friendly reports for leadership and cross-functional teams
Assists in preparing presentations and training materials on financial and administrative topics for leadership and department members
Provides professional support as a primary account administrator for account owners in an intensive customer service environment
Analyzes and prepares budgets, creates accounts, and works with the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses
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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline
Resume/CV (required)
Cover Letter (required)
Three Professional References Contact Information (required)
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field
Knowledge of financial computing and database software application
Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, which includes advance usage of pivot tables, v-lookups, macros, and formatting
Knowledge of various financial principles, practices, and applications including budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting
Familiarity with accounting systems and budget systems
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills. Detail-oriented and prioritize and complete multiple concurrent projects
Demonstrates capacity to work independently in an organized detailed manner while maintaining a collaborative team environment
Exercise sound judgment and absolute discretion regarding confidential matters with tact
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated time management skills to deliver high-integrity products within established deadlines
Personable, professional, and consultative work style
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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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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