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Financial Analyst 4

Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States


Senior Financial Analyst (Hybrid Opportunity)

This position has been deemed critical by the School of Humanities and Sciences Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze. The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of liberal arts education at Stanford, encompassing 24 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. The finance office manages the annual accounting cycle of a $685 million consolidated budget and develops financial systems that support the school.

Position Summary
The Senior Financial Analyst reports to the Associate Director of Finance and serves as a key resource, expert in Stanford’s financial policies, procedures, and systems. The role focuses on customer service, proactive financial management, and consulting with departments and programs throughout H&S.

Responsibilities

Provide financial analysis, forecasts, and recommendations to H&S departments, programs, administrators, and management.

Consult with departments and programs to create budget and graduate aid forecasts, develop best practices for proactive financial management, ensure compliance with policies and procedures, and recommend process improvements.

Execute complex reconciliations and related analyses; prepare, review, and approve higher‑level dollar value transactions.

Research, synthesize data, develop financial analyses and long‑range planning scenarios; perform root‑cause analysis and propose solutions.

Develop complex financial reports and presentations, design and run ad‑hoc reports, and support stewardship of university resources.

Prioritize, identify, and resolve strategic and unit/department issues; develop and implement solutions and ensure effective delivery of financial services.

Design internal control systems, analyze processes, policies, and procedures; implement compliance programs.

Lead process‑innovation projects, champion strategic initiatives, empower action, remove obstacles, and recognize progress.

Assess business needs, formulate recommendations, and manage projects as business owner.

Represent the organization to client groups and leaders as a subject‑matter expert on financial issues.

Supervise, train, coach, and review the work of other staff when required.

Perform any other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and eight years of relevant experience (or a combination of education and experience).

Expert proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.

Advanced knowledge of ERP and financial systems; internet and computer literacy.

Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Advanced project management skills and ability to lead large multi‑functional teams.

Preferred Requirements

Experience with fund accounting principles.

Experience with Oracle Business Intelligence and ability to design ad‑hoc queries or dashboards.

Strong strategic thinking and ability to analyze complex situations and develop forward‑looking solutions.

Ability to thrive in a team environment and present finance topics both in person and online.

Physical Requirements

Constant sitting.

Frequent desk‑based computer tasks, telephone use, hand‑writing, and filing paperwork.

Occasional standing/walking, lifting 11–20 pounds.

Working Conditions

Extended working hours during peak cycles; travel to school/unit sites across the university.

Compensation and Benefits
The expected pay range is $180,996 to $209,412 per annum.

Stanford University offers a comprehensive rewards package; details are available on the Cardinal at Work website.

Legal Statements
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

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