Senior Budget Analyst at Emerson College in Boston, MA

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Reporting to the Director of Budget and Planning, the Senior Budget Analyst will provide analytical support for budget projects, prepare budget and financial reports, as requested, and work closely with other members of the College's budget and finance team to prepare the annual budget, monthly/quarterly financial review and reports, quarterly forecasting, multi-year budgets, and other projects as they arise. The Senior Budget Analyst will analyze past, present, and future trends to predict future financial performance. The Analyst will be responsible for consistent evaluations of current processes and systems while recommending appropriate changes to current practices and working on budget issues, which may include reviewing, researching, and recommending alternative budget strategies.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Budget Development, Forecasting, and Management:

Lead the development and management of the annual budget, coordinating with department heads.
Monitor budget execution to ensure expenditures align with the approved budget.
Analyze and adjust budgets based on performance and financial changes, performing variance analysis to track budget vs. actual financial performance.
Prepare long-term financial projections and assist in strategic financial planning.
Conduct cost-benefit analyses for potential initiatives, identify trends, and recommend financial strategies.
Develop scenario plans for different financial conditions or organizational changes.

Reporting, Compliance, and Risk Management:

Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to internal and external stakeholders.
Communicate financial findings and provide recommendations to senior management.
Collaborate with departments to review budget performance and ensure understanding of financial data.
Ensure compliance with financial regulations, policies, and internal controls.
Support internal audits and maintain accurate financial records.
Identify and mitigate financial risks to protect the organization’s financial stability.

Process Improvement, Systems Management and Leadership:

Continuously seek improvements in budget processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Manage financial systems and tools to ensure data integrity and reporting capabilities.
Provide training and guidance to all community members on budgeting techniques and using financial management systems.
Provide leadership and guidance to junior financial staff.
Collaborate with various departments to ensure financial strategies are well understood and executed.

QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to perform the job effectively.

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, or a related field is required. A master's degree or relevant certification (e.g., CPA, CMA, CGFM) is strongly preferred.
Minimum of 5 -7 years of relevant experience, with 2-4 years specifically in higher education or corporate budget analysis, reporting, and forecasting.
Proficiency in financial management systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft, Workday, and Workday Adaptive Planning) is preferred.
Experience should demonstrate progressive responsibility in budget analysis, financial planning, or related fields, preferably within a higher education or non-profit environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – This may be representative but not all-inclusive of the knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job.

Advanced knowledge of budgeting principles, financial forecasting, and resource allocation.
Strong proficiency with financial management software (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft, Workday, Workday Adaptive Planning) and advanced Excel skills.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to present complex financial information in a clear, concise, and accessible manner to non-financial stakeholders.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
Familiarity with the unique financial challenges of higher education institutions, including experience with tuition revenue modeling, grant management, and endowment fund budgeting.
Experience with institutional accreditation processes and financial reporting requirements.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Intellectual and mental concentration is required for extended periods.
Requires constant coordination of mental and visual attention.
Requires the ability to sit or stand for long periods.
Light lifting and occasional movement of objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

Office environment
No travel is required.

Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

Compensation: $79,950.00 - $99,900.00 annually, commensurate with experience.

Grade of Position: 23-10E

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

Division: Division of Administration and Finance

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.