Senior Financial Analyst

Department

SING EVP Headquarters - Finance & Ops - CoS NL

About the Department

The Office of National Laboratories (ONL) works to provide UChicago researchers, National Laboratories leaders, and scholars with guidance, resources, and central administrative support for their pursuit of new knowledge and novel solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. We work to create possibilities, enabling our researchers on campus and at our national laboratories to tackle cutting-edge, big picture scientific research and to better scale their scholarship and research discoveries.

The University’s stewardship of Argonne and Fermilab, on behalf of the Department of Energy, provides institutional support and unique resources that help these National laboratories tackle some of the greatest scientific and technical challenges of our time. Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC (FermiForward) was recently selected by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science as the management-and-operating (M&O) contractor for the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). FermiForward consists of the University of Chicago (UChicago) and Universities Research Association, Inc. (URA), with Amentum and Longenecker and Associates, Inc. as integrated subcontractors. As part of the new contract, FermiForward secured millions of dollars in commitments from more than 20 partner research universities and organizations to enhance and enable the scientific vision and amplify the impact of Fermilab across the world.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Financial Compliance, the Senior Financial Analyst supports the financial management and compliance activities of the Office of National Laboratories. This role is responsible for processing and reconciling day-to-day financial transactions, administering financial systems, and preparing budgets, forecasts, and financial reports. The Analyst ensures compliance with University and Department of Energy (DOE) requirements and provides analysis to inform decision making. The position works closely with University partners to strengthen financial controls, support Board of Governors reporting, and contribute to audit readiness and process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Administers and optimizes financial systems, including hierarchy and role management; leads enhancements to reporting, analytics, and data integrity.
• Processes and reviews monthly invoices, partner billings, effort reconciliations, and cost corrections to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Reviews and approves Board of Governors payment and reimbursement requests, ensuring adherence to DOE and University budget guidelines.
• Manages annual reconciliation of all Board of Governors expenses and financial matters; prepares and submits formal fiscal year close-out reports to DOE.
• Prepares, analyzes, and presents monthly, quarterly, and annual ONL financial submissions, including budgets, forecasts, and ad hoc reports.
• Delivers clear, actionable financial analysis and recommendations to senior leadership to inform strategic decision-making.
• Ensures compliance with University, DOE, and other federal financial regulations, policies, and reporting standards.
• Strengthens internal controls, streamline processes, and enhances system functionality to improve efficiency and transparency.
• Leads internal and external audits through data preparation, documentation, and timely response to information requests.
• Contributes to the development of financial policies, tools, and templates that support effective governance and compliance.
• Works independently to maintain and support the planning and execution of financial strategy.
• Uses best practices and in-depth financial knowledge to assist in the preparation of annual budgets. Works with minimal guidance to provide analytical support for complex budget projects. Examines past budgets and researches economic and financial developments that affect spending.
• Reviews estimated expenditures. Develops expenditure projections and periodic budget variance reports. Prepares forecasts as well as analyses.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Experience:

• Progressive experience in accounting and financial analysis.
• Background in higher education, government contracts, or grant administration.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of GAAP and compliance in government or nonprofit settings.
• Microsoft Excel skills.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, such as Oracle, Workday, Essbase, and reporting tools.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong accounting principles and financial analysis skills with high attention to detail.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability in reporting, compliance and financial modeling with demonstrated problem-solving skills.
• Manage recurring financial processes while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to build strong partnerships across teams.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$106,527.00 - $120,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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