Senior Financial Analyst

Position Summary

The Facilities and Capital Planning department is seeking a Senior Financial Analyst to support the department's financial operations, including capital project and revenue activities.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance and Administration, the Senior Financial Analyst will support financial management for capital projects by conducting regular financial reconciliations, preparing financial reports, assisting with project maintenance, and collaborating with capital planning stakeholders to ensure complete and accurate financial statements. This role will also support billing activities for the project management team and provide financial support for decentralized functions within the department. In addition, this position will serve as critical backup for key departmental functions, including payroll, cost center management, and other operational and administrative responsibilities.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, service-focused financial professional with experience in project accounting, financial management, and accounting reconciliations, preferably within a higher education or other institutional environment. They thrive in a collaborative setting, bring a proactive and thoughtful approach to problem-solving, and develop solutions within established campus policies and guidelines. The successful candidate combines strong technical expertise with excellent communication and organizational skills to uphold high standards of financial accuracy and accountability.

Workplace Requirements

This position is a hybrid role with an on-campus presence required. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. This position is classified as essential and may require on-site or remote work to support critical operations during emergencies, such as severe weather events. The role requires the ability to traverse campus to attend meetings both on and off campus and to enter a variety of campus facilities as needed.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of experience leading a team of accounting or administrative professionals

Skills

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Advanced knowledge of enterprise resource planning and financial systems
• Ability to record general ledger transactions and create journal entries; advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles
• Proven track record of handling sensitive financial information and maintaining integrity in financial reporting
• Advanced professional communication skills, including the ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and management
• Strong project management skills and the ability to contribute to or lead part of a multifunctional team

Preferences

• Master's degree or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or another business-related field
• Experience working in an academic or similarly mission-driven setting, specifically in higher education and/or an institutional environment
• Experience with project or grant accounting, including completing journal entries, reconciliations, and reporting for multiple projects

Essential Functions

• Performs complex and detailed reconciliations, period-end close activities, research, and critical financial analyses, including the preparation and review of journal entries
• Reviews construction cost models and uploads approved models into the department's financial system
• Develops, recommends, implements, and documents new or revised accounting policies and procedures in accordance with university guidance and established protocols
• Identifies, prioritizes, and resolves complex financial issues that may span multiple functional areas; diagnoses root causes, identifies exceptions, recommends solutions, and collaborates with stakeholders to ensure implementation
• Researches accounting and financial issues and recommends solutions to department leadership based on audit results, report reviews, and business needs; advises leadership on business activities; prepares cost analyses; plans and conducts financial studies; and determines business activity costs
• Develops and prepares complex financial data, metrics, and reports for a variety of internal and external audiences, including capital project cash flow statements
• Evaluates existing systems and processes to identify efficiency improvements, strengthen internal controls, and incorporate new or changing regulations; recommends solutions that may require policy changes or new processes
• Serves as a subject matter expert or consultant in a specialized area; contributes to and/or leads projects within the work unit, department, or across functions
• Collaborates effectively with on-campus business partners and external stakeholders, demonstrating a positive and service-oriented mindset
• Supports billing activities for Capital Planning and other decentralized departmental functions
• May serve as a lead or technical expert and provide guidance, training, or direction to less experienced staff
• Establishes and maintains a regular meeting cadence and convenes ad hoc meetings with key departmental stakeholders to review project status, financial performance, funding, and closeout activities
• Performs other related duties as assigned