• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Building: Studebaker
• Salary Range: $80,000 - $85,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Endowment Compliance and Budget Planning, the Senior Financial Analyst supports two key areas of the University’s internal control structure – the delegation of authority and access to the University’s financial systems and accounting compliance related to the University’s gift and endowment funds. 

The Senior Financial Analyst assists with the security operations for the University’s financial systems, working closely with the AVP and the Associate Director, Financial Operations Compliance, to guide transaction authority and access, documenting and maintaining DAF (Departmental Authorization Function) business rules and criteria for assigning roles and authority and monitoring compliance. 

 A strong internal candidate has been identified, but all applications will be considered.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing Security Applications for the Finance Division and certain other restricted access.
• Administering access and privileges in the Security Administration module.
• Responding to customer inquiries and requests.
• Collaborating on security enhancements by recommending, developing, testing, and implementing enhancements or fixes that increase efficiency and improve internal controls.
• Working closely with School/Unit DAF Administrators, Departments, Finance Training, CUIT, and the Service Now application team to troubleshoot issues.
• Developing and updating security-related job aids and queries.
• Assisting with the annual security recertification review process.
• As related to the University’s gift and endowment fund compliance, the Analyst will assist with accounting and data research, analysis, reconciliations and reporting. 
• Preparing internal/external schedules and reports.
• Fund research and reviews, and revenue recognition compliance reviews.
• Will serve as a backup to other departmental activities as needed.
• Performs other related duties and special projects, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (i.e., finance or accounting), plus a minimum of three years related experience.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a complex academic or research environment and/or not-for-profit accounting.

Other Requirements

• Have excellent research, analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, and take initiative to propose improvements, alternatives, and solutions.

• Must have the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and handle changing priorities.

• Detail-oriented and ensure work is completed timely and accurately.

• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and tackle difficult assignments, and have the ability to function independently, manage ambiguity, and deliver quality work products in a dynamic environment. 

• Have strong Excel/data manipulation skills, along with a demonstrated ability to prepare reports, summaries, and analyses, and to present findings and recommendations.

• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening skills, enabling effective collaboration and relationship building with a diverse group of administrators and colleagues across the University.

• Must be flexible with work assignments and willing to learn.

• Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.