Financial Analyst

Financial Analyst

Caltech
Job Category: Fulltime Regular
Exempt Overtime Eligible: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Payment Services Analyst supports the Payment Services Specialty Team and reports to the Tax Reporting Manager. This position performs advanced accounts payable and payment compliance functions in a highly automated, digital environment. The Analyst is responsible for auditing and analyzing complex payment transactions to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with Institute policies, accounting standards, and applicable federal and state tax regulations.

The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret and apply tax and accounting regulations. Significant interaction with campus departments and vendors is expected, including training and outreach to end users on systems, policies, and procedures.

Essential Job Duties

Payment Processing & Compliance

• Manage and prioritize a high volume of complex payment requests, reimbursements, confidential payments, GL entries, and related transactions
• Audit and analyze complex payment requests, reimbursements, confidential payments, and GL transactions for policy and regulatory compliance
• Evaluate supplier tax status and determine appropriate income tax treatment and withholding, when applicable
• Interpret and apply federal and state tax regulations; determine correct reporting requirements (e.g., 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, 592-B, 1042-S)
• Analyze transactions for proper application and accrual of use tax and e-waste fees
• Determine appropriate payment methods (P-Card, wire, e-Pay, direct deposit, or check) and coordinate changes with Supplier Management
• Review daily invoice hold and exception reports; research and resolve issues in a timely manner
• Research and resolve complex payment, tax withholding, system interface, and supplier-related issues
• Perform reconciliation of Payment Services' GL accounts including journaling process; monitor and resolve reconciling items
• Perform AP fiscal year-end activities and coordinate AP functions with Finance; review system accruals and prepare manual accruals; assist auditors with schedules and inquiries as needed
• Perform invoice corrections, including expenditure type and GL adjustments
• Perform invoice corrections such Expenditure Type and GL adjustments; prepare journal entries and manual usage for adjustments
• Maintain and manage schedules of vendor retention accounts for all active construction projects
• Maintain accurate records to support audits and compliance requirements
• Stay current on tax regulations, procurement policies, and system enhancements

Program Administration

• Administer the monthly recurring cell phone allowance program
• Manage program setup and maintenance in TechMart, including adding and removing participants
• Maintain enrollment forms and supporting documentation for audit purposes

Documentation & Process Improvement

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of desktop procedures, guidelines, and training materials
• Document business processes to promote consistency and best practices
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and cross-functional collaboration

Customer Interaction & Campus Outreach

• Provide high-quality customer service and maintain strong working relationships with campus partners and vendors
• Train end users on TechMart and payment-related policies; conduct monthly training sessions and one-on-one Zoom training as needed
• Updating training materials and user guides as needed
• Communicate policies and procedures related to payment processing, tax reporting, and withholding

Other Duties

• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or a related field
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in accounts payable, accounting, tax reporting, or related financial operations
• Experience working in a full-cycle, automated accounts payable environment, including supplier management and payment processing in a P2P environment
• Knowledge of income tax reporting requirements, including IRS Accountable Plan and 1099 reporting
• Experience with sales and use tax regulations
• Understanding of fiscal year-end processes and accounting accruals
• Familiarity with supplier tax documentation (W-9, W-8 series forms)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Proficiency with Zoom or similar video conferencing tools
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a higher education environment
• Experience with Oracle Financials, Procure-to-Pay (P2P) systems, and data warehouse tools
• Knowledge of federal and state tax compliance, including 1099, 592-B, and 1042-S reporting

Required Documents

• Resume.