Senior Financial Analyst

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director Billing and Collections, the Senior Financial Analyst is a senior-level independent contributor. This role is responsible for providing strategic oversight and subject matter expertise across all billing, collections, cash management, and financial compliance activities associated with sponsored research awards at the University of Chicago. As a senior resource within University Research Administration, the Senior Financial Analyst ensures accurate and timely invoicing, collections, cash applications, and financial reporting while maintaining strict compliance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies. The incumbent independently manages complex sponsored funding portfolios, leads process improvement initiatives, develops operational strategies, and serves as a key liaison among faculty, department administrators, central finance offices, sponsors, and external agencies. The position exercises significant judgment and decision-making authority in resolving complex financial issues, interpreting sponsor payment terms, and implementing best practices to enhance organizational effectiveness. Serving as the senior operational expert for sponsored billing and collections activities, this position is responsible for identifying opportunities to improve financial performance, operational efficiency, compliance, and customer service across the sponsored research enterprise. This role requires advanced expertise in sponsored research administration, financial management, federal regulations (including Uniform Guidance), and institutional accounting practices. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership, analytical, and communication skills while fostering collaboration and continuous improvement across the research administration enterprise. Requires in-depth knowledge and experience. Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external University issues to improve products or services. Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective using existing solutions. Works independently, receives minimal guidance. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight

• Serve as the institutional subject matter expert for sponsored project billing, collections, cash management, and revenue recognition activities.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of billing and collections policies, and controls including procedures and operational standards.
• Establish priorities and strategies to ensure timely invoices, collections, and cash application across a large and complex sponsored project portfolio.
• Evaluate financial risks, identify systemic issues, and assist the Director in developing corrective action plans to mitigate institutional exposure.
• Recognize problematic practices and recommend process enhancements to improve efficiency, compliance, and customer service.

Sponsored Billing and Collections Management

• Direct complex billing and collection activities for federal, state, foundation, industry, and other sponsored funding sources.
• Ability and understanding to oversee and support invoicing, letter of credit draws, milestone-based payments, installment agreements, and financial closeout activities.
• Review and interpret sponsor agreements and payment terms to ensure accurate billing and revenue collection.
• Resolve escalated billing disputes, collection issues, payment discrepancies, and sponsor inquiries.
• Provide guidance regarding receivable management and collection strategies for delinquent accounts.
• Works independently to manage the general ledger and create financial statements, regulatory reports, and management reports.

Compliance and Regulatory Expertise

• Interpret and apply Uniform Guidance, GAAP, sponsor regulations, and institutional policies to complex financial situations.
• Ensure compliance with sponsor-specific billing requirements and federal financial reporting regulations.
• Identify compliance risks and implement internal controls to strengthen financial stewardship.
• Partner with internal and external auditors and provide documentation and analysis related to sponsored billing activities.

Data Analysis and Operational Excellence

• Lead advanced financial analyses utilizing Oracle, AURA, Business Objects, Orbit, LOC Draw sheets, PMS, Research.gov, and related systems.
• Assist the Director to help maintain dashboards, reports, and performance metrics to support leadership decision-making.
• Identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for process optimization through data analysis.
• Collaborate with the team to enhance reporting capabilities and improve data integrity.

Leadership, Training and Mentorship

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and technical leadership to billing and collections staff.
• Serve as a senior advisor to URA leadership regarding sponsored billing, collections, cash management, and financial compliance matters.
• Assist the Director in developing training materials and lead educational initiatives related to sponsored billing and collections processes.
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices across the organization.
• Assist leadership with workload planning, operational assessments, and implementation of departmental goals.
• Uses in-depth knowledge and experience to perform a variety of complex operating or cost accounting activities, incorporating accounting theories and principles.
• Guides others and acts as a resource on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: ---

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored research administration, financial management, billing, collections, or post-award administration. Demonstrated expertise interpreting federal regulations, Uniform Guidance, and sponsor requirements. Experience leading complex projects, operational improvements, or organizational initiatives. Experience mentoring staff and providing functional leadership across teams.

Technical Skills or Knowledge: Proficiency in the use of University of Chicago systems such as Huron Research Suite, Oracle Cloud, and Workday. Proficiency in federal agency draw sites, PMS, ACMS, ASAP, G5 and/or sponsor required sites Ariba, Coupa, Tungsten, etc. Strong computer skills including word processing, database management and spreadsheet skills (Microsoft Office suite and Adobe suite a must). Ability to develop proficiency and work with various sponsor/third-party electronic systems.

Preferred Competencies Strategic Mentoring and Influence: Leverages deep subject matter expertise and broad institutional awareness to guide colleagues and influence positive outcomes beyond direct supervision. Acts as a role model and resource for peers and junior staff, proactively sharing insights and strategies to address complex challenges within sponsored projects and university research administration Independence: Work independently with a high degree of initiative, curiosity and minimal supervision. Willingness to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and ability to effectively interact and collaborate with all levels of university administrators and faculty members. Make decisions independently that will have downstream impacts on the management of sponsored projects. Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, with faculty and administrative staff at the University, and close collaboration with all staff within the office of University Research Administration. Service Orientation: Positive, service-oriented attitude with a courteous demeanor, maintaining professionalism in all interactions. Ability to develop and manage interpersonal relationships. Discretion and Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations with absolute discretion and maintain confidentiality. Attention to Detail and Accuracy: Exceptional attention to detail and thoroughness in completing tasks accurately. Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines. Organizational and Multitasking Skills: Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced work environment. Interact by phone, email, online meetings or in person with faculty and administrative staff at the University and occasionally with staff of federal government, non-federal sponsors, and other institutions and organizations. Judgment and Project Management: Sound judgment with the ability to prioritize and anticipate potential issues and address them proactively. Adaptability and Feedback Reception: Stay current with technology and digital tools. Ability to maintain composure under pressure, work flexible hours as needed, and respond constructively to feedback.

Working Conditions

Sit for 4 hours or more. Use computers extensively for 4 hours or more. Use standard office equipment and troubleshoot IT equipment in a remote/hybrid environment. Some evening and weekend work may be required.