Financial Analyst

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $75,000 - $82,250

Position Summary

The Financial Analyst reports to the Assistant Director of Budget and Finance and serves as a key financial partner to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The Financial Analyst provides oversight of accounts payable operations, financial analysis, forecasting, and policy interpretation that supports decision making, financial planning for multiple campuses (Morningside, Manhattanville, and Columbia University Irving Medical Center). This role provides analytical oversight to ensure financial transactions, are processed accurately and in a timely manner, expenses are allocated to appropriate funding sources, and all activities comply with university purchasing and accounts payable policies. The Financial Analyst independently reviews and responds to financial transaction requests submitted through the department’s finance email account.

Under the Assistant Director, the Financial Analyst will work collaboratively with internal and external management to support strategic financial operations. The Financial Analyst will prepare analytical financial reports, support the implementation of financial policies, and collaborate with campus and departmental partners on operational planning. The Financial Analyst will independently manage special projects requiring financial expertise, data interpretation, and strategic analysis, and perform additional duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

The Financial Analyst is responsible for the oversight and administration of accounts payable transactions and vendor management:

• Processes and monitors accounts payables transactions for DPS, including high-volume payments such as contract guard services
• Evaluates supporting documentation to ensure adherence to university policies and funding requirements
• Ensures accurate assignment of expenses to the appropriate chart strings and funding sources
• Manages vendor onboarding workflows and maintains required documentation and audit ready records
• Reviews, tracks, and responds to financial transaction requests submitted through the department's finance email account
• Provides payment status updates and interprets accounts payable and purchasing procedures for departmental staff

The Financial Analyst will prepare, review and oversee journal entries and financial closing activities:

• Analyzes, prepares, and approves journal entries, accruals, and cost transfers determining appropriate financial treatment based on university's policies and accounting standards
• Conducts analytical reviews for monthly, quarterly, and fiscal year-end close activities, identifying anomalies and recommending corrective actions
• Prepares and records accruals and assists in analyzing and making necessary expense adjustments
• Supports reconciliations and verifies that funding allocations are accurate and appropriately applied

The Financial Analyst will provide financial tracking, forecasting, and planning support:

• Develops and maintains multi-campus forecasting models for OTPS, contract guard services, and recurring service expenses
• Organizes, analyzes, and interprets financial data to guide resource allocation and planning efforts across campuses

The Financial Analyst will utilize a wide array of university and departmental systems to compile financial reporting, conduct audits, and identify financial risks and variances:

• Compiles, analyzes, and interprets financial data across all campuses
• Prepares monthly financial summaries and analytical reports for senior leadership
• Reviews budget versus actual reports; analyzes variances and escalates discrepancies as appropriate
• Maintains and refines financial tracking spreadsheet and ensures all supporting documentation is accurate, organized, and compliant with policy

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and/or its equivalent, plus a minimum of 2-3 years of related experience required
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including active listening skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work closely and effectively with University personnel 
• Ability to take initiative and work independently 
• Must possess strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication, written, presentation, quantitative, and interpersonal skills required
• Ability to work as a member er of a collaborative team while exercising independent judgement 
• Outstanding financial analysis and modeling skills
• Strong computer proficiency (MS PowerPoint, Word, and Excel), including an in-depth knowledge of spreadsheet packages
• Must be a strategic thinker, with an open and collaborative style that encourages teamwork and cooperation
• Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality
• Advanced Excel skills required

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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