Sr. Financial Analyst

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Sr. Financial Analyst to support financial planning, reporting, and close activities for a university environment in New Brunswick, New Jersey. This Long-term Contract position is ideal for someone in finance who can manage detailed account analysis, deliver meaningful budget insights, and help ensure accurate financial reporting across a range of funds and programs. The role will work closely with business leaders and account owners to monitor performance, investigate variances, and strengthen day-to-day financial oversight.

Responsibilities:
• Contribute to monthly and annual close cycles by preparing journal entries and validating that transactions are accurately reflected in the general and project ledgers.
• Perform detailed reconciliations and financial reviews for assigned accounts, including state, sponsored, and non-sponsored funding sources, and resolve outstanding discrepancies through completion.
• Examine purchasing and expense submissions before final approval, including travel reimbursements, payment requests, requisitions, and other finance-related transactions.
• Produce recurring profit and loss reports for designated projects or accounts, highlighting key trends, explaining variances, and responding to stakeholder questions.
• Support budget-versus-actual reporting for department teams and sub-units by organizing data and providing clear financial summaries.
• Assist with the preparation of the annual operating budget and develop periodic forecasts for a variety of fund categories, such as operating, designated, endowment, and gift funds.
• Maintain oversight of endowment and gift account activity, keeping leadership informed of balances, spending levels, and fund availability.• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in financial analysis, budgeting, or accounting functions.
• Strong background in financial analysis, variance reporting, and ad hoc analytical support.
• Experience preparing reconciliations, journal entries, and reporting within structured financial close processes.
• Advanced proficiency with spreadsheet tools and database applications used for financial or accounting analysis.
• Ability to interpret financial data, identify issues, and communicate recommendations clearly to business stakeholders.
• Familiarity with financial modeling and data mining techniques to support reporting and decision-making.