Budget and Financial Analyst

OLIVET COLLEGE•Olivet, MI

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Budget & Financial Analyst is responsible for coordinating the University’s budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities. This position plays a critical role in developing institutional budgets, monitoring financial performance, and supporting leadership decision-making through data-driven financial analysis. The Budget & Financial Analyst leads institutional budgeting processes, prepares budget-to-actual analysis, supports financial forecasting and scenario modeling, and works closely with the Accounting Manager and Business Office team to ensure alignment between budgets, financial reporting, and institutional financial strategy. The Budget & Financial Analyst partners with department leaders across the University to support responsible financial planning, monitor departmental spending, and ensure stewardship of institutional resources. This role also assists the CFO with financial modeling, strategic financial planning, and preparation of financial reports for executive leadership and the Board of Trustees.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial forecasting, and financial analysis.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling techniques.
Ability to analyze complex financial data and present findings clearly.
Understanding of financial reporting principles and institutional budgeting practices.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with leadership and cross-functional teams.
High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field required.
Minimum of 4–6 years of progressive experience in budgeting, financial planning, accounting, or financial analysis.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
Experience with institutional budgeting, financial modeling, or financial reporting systems is strongly preferred.
Higher education budgeting or nonprofit financial management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and coordination of the University’s annual operating and capital budgeting processes.
Develop and maintain institutional financial models to support forecasting and long-term financial planning.
Prepare multi-year financial forecasts to support strategic planning and institutional decision-making.
Monitor departmental budgets and perform budget-to-actual variance analysis.
Prepare and distribute periodic financial reports and dashboards for executive leadership.
Collaborate with departmental leaders to develop budget projections and financial plans.
Support enrollment-driven revenue modeling and expense forecasting where applicable.
Maintain institutional budget documentation, financial assumptions, and supporting schedules.
Support the preparation of financial presentations for executive leadership and Board committees.
Work with the Accounting Manager to ensure alignment between financial reporting and budget reporting.
Assist the CFO with scenario analysis related to staffing, enrollment, and program initiatives.
Maintain and improve budget processes, internal controls, and financial planning procedures.
Monitor institutional purchasing trends and spending patterns.
Assist departments in understanding budget policies and financial procedures.
Provide financial analysis related to new initiatives, programs, and institutional investments.
Maintain documentation supporting institutional financial planning and audit readiness.
Collaborate with the Business Office to improve financial reporting tools and data transparency.