ITS Financial Analyst Senior

Information and Technology Services (ITS) at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is seeking a Senior Financial Analyst to join the ITS Finance team. ITS supports the university's academic, research, and administrative missions by delivering secure, innovative, and reliable technology services across Ann Arbor, Michigan Medicine, and the Flint and Dearborn campuses.

We are looking for a highly adaptable, customer-focused financial professional who thrives in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment. This role requires strong technological proficiency, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to think both tactically and strategically, connecting day-to-day financial analysis to broader organizational goals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Serve as the primary finance partner for ITS general fund units, including budget development, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial guidance; provide supplemental support for other funding sources as needed (e.g., designated/recharge/auxiliary, grants).
• Conducting strategic financial analysis to support forecasting and informed decision-making.
• Translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for diverse stakeholders
• Partnering with business units to understand customer needs and align financial strategies accordingly.

This position reports directly to the Director of Finance and Human Resources.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Finance Director and ITS leaders, providing strategic insights, scenario analyses, and actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrate a high customer-service approach by supporting departmental stakeholders with responsive guidance, clear communication, and appropriate expectation-setting to ensure both excellent service and strong financial stewardship.
• Participate in annual budgeting and forecasting, including risk/opportunity identification.
• Prepare and present monthly financial performance reporting and variance narratives for both financial and non-financial audiences.
• Partner with ITS leaders to develop business cases for initiatives, investments, and operational changes.
• Strengthen financial stewardship through accurate transaction review, reconciliations, internal controls, and audit-ready documentation; resolve discrepancies and ensure timely corrections.
• Interpret and apply university financial policies and guidelines; advise teams on compliant and efficient processes.
• Identify, quantify, and track efficiency opportunities (process improvements, vendor/license optimization, spend management).
• Collaborate across ITS to improve forecasting accuracy, reporting quality, and end-to-end financial processes.
• Lead or contribute to cross-functional projects, aligning financial recommendations with ITS strategy, customer needs, and organizational priorities.
• Apply big-picture thinking to connect financial insights with broader ITS strategies and customer needs.

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field with a strong foundation in accounting and financial principles

• Five (5) or more years of progressive experience in financial analysis, accounting, budgeting, and forecasting (including fund accounting or similar experience)
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences
• High level of comfort with technology, including financial systems, data tools, and collaboration platforms
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Work successfully in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities
  • Develop and analyze complex financial models and datasets
  • Provide strategic insights that support both operational and long-term decision-making
  • Deliver exceptional customer service and build strong stakeholder relationships
  • Understand business needs and translate them into actionable financial recommendations
  • Work effectively as part of a team while maintaining accountability for individual contributions

Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field

• Experience with ERP systems and data warehouse/query tools
• Experience working in a technology environment
• Experience in a higher education environment, particularly familiarity with University of Michigan systems and policies
• Knowledge of fund accounting principles
• Familiarity with Federal Uniform Guidance requirements

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Parental and Maternity Leave