Principal Financial Analyst

Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education!

At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose.

By joining our team, you'll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado's system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU's campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities.

We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you're passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration.

Position Summary:

University Information Systems (UIS) provides technical services and enterprise applications to the University of Colorado's (CU) four campuses and the Office of the President. UIS is committed to excellence in customer service, technical expertise, and the development of enterprise applications responsible for supporting CU's students, faculty, human resources employees, finance employees, and others.

The Principal Financial Analyst supports UIS by providing financial and operational support to all members of the department. This position is responsible for working with the Assistant Director of Business Services to manage IT Governance projects and other project finances which includes but is not limited to generating budget reports, providing data analysis, carrying out monthly close responsibilities, and preparing and delivering budget presentations. This position works independently and must have a thorough understanding of the department, its budgets, and various CU and UIS policies, procedures, and guidelines to be successful. The Principal Financial Analyst is expected to build high-trust and collaborative relationships with business partners, key stakeholders, and take initiative to identify and resolve financial and procurement challenges.

The Principal Financial Analyst reports to the Assistant Director of Business Services and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff System.

Where You Will Work:

Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment with University of Colorado System Administration.

This role is eligible to work remotely within Colorado and is eligible for a hybrid schedule, working some days from home and some days in the office at 1800 Grant St, Denver, CO.

Please note, leadership may adjust in-office work requirements with a minimum of three months' notice before any change can be implemented.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Financial & Budget Management & Analysis
  • Provide fiscal and operational support to UIS, which includes purchasing, accounting, and overall financial management
  • Generate custom and standardized financial reports and utilize information to: Track and monitor consultant progress on projects; Reconcile financial transactions and balances to check accuracy; Ensure all financial transactions are recorded accurately, timely, and according to UIS and CU policies at monthly close; make correcting journal entries when needed; Forward monthly financial data to UIS managers, directors, and leadership; work with managers, directors, and leadership to identify shortfalls, issues, and resolve discrepancies
  • Consult and collaborate with budget managers to provide fiscal forecasting and modeling to ensure appropriate and effective budget usage of UIS funding and resources.
  • Assist and/or lead in managing the budgets and forecast modeling and report-outs for all UIS-related IT Governance projects.
  • Work in conjunction with the Assistant Director to develop, prepare, submit, monitor, and close out approximately $55 million in UIS budgets based on long-term department objectives
  • Works with team to develop various monthly and annual budget presentations utilizing PowerPoint and Visio tools based on budget and finance initiatives for leadership team
  • Track licensing and contract renewals; work with UIS managers and ADs to correct issues, ensure processes are followed, and track costs against established budgets
  • Assists in creating and supporting UIS chargeback models to campuses for target programs.
• Purchasing, Travel, & Expense Reimbursement Management
  • Manage and oversee procurement activity for various projects which includes oversight and compliance through the lifecycle of the procurement process
  • Collects and reviews procurement documents for compliance; identifies issues and works with UIS employees, vendors, and the PSC to resolve
  • Coordinate purchases of goods and services from requisition request through to the invoice payment; utilizes CU Marketplace for purchasing and research purposes to include purchase order (PO) creation, maintenance, and invoice processing
  • Work with UIS employees to collect documentation for expense reimbursements and submit information using the Concur Travel & Expense System; reviews documentation for compliance and works with employees to resolve issues; approves deviations from UIS policy as necessary
• Operational & Miscellaneous Support
  • Recommend enhancements and streamline current policies and procedures, including Business Services Service Catalog.
  • Implement process improvements based on analysis and evaluation of current policies and procedures in comparison to research and/or finance and procurement best practices.
  • Experience using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solutions in support of customers and business processes
  • Maintain current knowledge of generative AI technologies and identify practical applications for improving workflows.
  • Independently explore, evaluate and recommend new AI capabilities to support operational efficiency and innovation.
  • Serve as a back-up for the Financial Analyst and Assistant Director, as needed
  • Manage special projects and tasks as assigned

What We Offer:

Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $87,000- $90,000.

Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.