Overview

JOB SUMMARY:

The Departmental Budget Analyst supports all purchasing and budgeting activities for the academic departments and independent labs and shops within the Albert Nerken School of

Engineering (SoE). The individual purchases equipment and supplies, monitors the annual budget, analyzes financial data, and develops reports for forecasting and analysis.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Serves as the principle purchasing agent for the departments in the SoE, coordinating purchases using credit card, purchase orders and other methods of eCommerce.
  • Analyzes and maintains budgets of all accounts allocated to the SoE Departments
  •  Acts as primary point of contact for SoE Departmental budgets to the Dean’s Office and serves as a liaison between the Departments and other areas at the college including the Business Office, Human Resources, Development, and others.
  • Collaborates with department chairs and the Senior Budget Analyst in the development of the annual budget making recommendations and providing analysis of and data from prior year departmental budgets.
  • Collaborates with the Senior Budget Analyst to prepare monthly budget to actual expenditure variance analysis and related reports as needed. Monitors all fiscal transactions and identifies potential budget issues. Works with the appropriate individuals to provide alternative solutions and resolve problems.
  • Provides instruction and responds to questions relating to budget procedures and controls. Analyzes financial information to ensure all budget lines are within budget and in compliance with policies and procedures.
  • Monitors the integrity and appropriateness of all financial transactions under the umbrella of the Academic Departments.
  • Reconciles departmental credit card and processes reimbursement requests.
  • Collaborates with the Senior Budget Analyst to develop and improve departmental procedures to ensure best financial practice throughout the SoE.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Administrative Manager.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS:

  • Knowledge and understanding of higher education organization, goals and objectives, and policies and procedures.
  • Ability to work effectively with internal and external administrative offices to ensure that required procedures and controls are in compliance.
  • Comprehensive knowledge and application of budgeting principles, practices, methods, and procedures. Knowledge of data extraction procedures, spreadsheets, and financial systems. Ability to analyze and interpret financial data including research, compiling, analyzing, and evaluating extensive amounts of data on which to base forecasts and projections.
  • Ability and skill to develop accurate and appropriate written responses to requests for information. Ability to conduct spot audits of controls put in place to verify compliance and to promptly address any issues. Ability to develop, communicate effectively and provide training on written financial procedures and controls. Ability to think, reason, and make sound judgements on how responsibilities are completed in compliance with higher education standards and guidelines.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Exhibit excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and be solution oriented.
  • Ability to see both the micro- and macro-level picture and using both strategy and comprehensive organizational skills, balance competing priorities and shifting focus between the two.
  • Strong ethical and financial responsibility while understanding the policies of the School and the Departmental Budget Analyst’s role in how funds are spent and managed.
  • Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite, with extensive knowledge of Excel.
  • Remains current by attending professional development courses, software training classes, and other courses and training sessions.
  • Maintains a current knowledge of appropriate college and academic policies, processes and procedures including regulatory compliance for safeguarding personal information and record confidentiality.
  • Ability to work well in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural environment with students, faculty, and staff.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree, preference in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field from a regionally accredited institution and five (5) years of relevant experience.

Rate: $35-$45 per hour

This is a unionized position.

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer.