Financial Analyst - Lesley University

Financial Analyst The Opportunity Lesley University is seeking a dynamic and motivated Financial Analyst to join our team. This pivotal role is integral to our grant reporting process, encompassing tasks such as generating journal entries for efficient expense allocation among grants, and fostering close collaboration with our esteemed grant/program managers. The chosen candidate will be responsible for responding to inquiries, offering up-to-date revenue and expense analytics, and overseeing the judicious utilization of grant funds. In addition, the Financial Analyst will be actively engaged in generating invoices for reimbursable grant expenses. Through meticulous analysis of historical accounting data and other relevant information, the selected candidate will provide invaluable projections to guide both short- and long-term financial planning undertaken by the management team. The role of the Financial Analyst extends to the coordination of activities aimed at rectifying account imbalances and upholding rigorous accounting controls and procedures. By actively participating in year-end audits, the Financial Analyst ensures meticulous data accuracy. This individual will also undertake the scrutiny of financial statements and prepare comprehensive financial reports that accurately represent the current and projected financial landscape of the organization. The position may also involve assisting in the preparation, development, and monitoring of budgets, as well as conducting indirect cost analyses to support informed decision-making processes. Qualities and Capabilities The successful candidate will have: • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field. • Minimum of three (3) years of experience in grant preparation, research, program organization, or grant related financial support functions. • Advanced proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office; advanced Excel skills. • Advanced knowledge of accounting systems and the internet; computer literacy. • Ability to interpret and apply advanced accounting knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). • Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate information clearly and effectively to internal and external audiences and client groups. • Demonstrated project management skills and ability to contribute to or lead part of a multi-functional team. • Attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet deadlines and customer service response standards. • Proven ability to apply knowledge to analyze and interpret business policies and external regulations and translate them into compliant and efficient accounting processes. • Ability to observe trends in data, recommending and helping to implement solutions to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and accuracy of data. • Strong customer-oriented approach to managing work. Why Lesley Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University is highly regarded for its graduate and undergraduate programs in the human arts of education, the arts, and applied social sciences. Lesley fosters a highly creative environment in which innovative ideas thrive, theory is integrated with practice and its 6,400 students and 90,000 alumni are empowered to improve and enrich communities. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance. In addition, we offer significant paid time off, a generous retirement plan, and tuition programs that enable employees and their dependents to expand their knowledge and skills. Lesley is committed to the ongoing pursuit of strategic diversity initiatives that help to position diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental to institutional and academic excellence at Lesley. In doing so, Lesley strives for a campus culture and community that fosters a true sense of belonging for all, provides opportunity for everyone to participate equally and fully in the Lesley experience, and helps to develop each individual's capacity to confidently and competently engage within and across difference. Given an evolving national context and the rapid change in the demographic profile of our country, the University has made a significant commitment to addressing and enhancing its campus climate and diversity capabilities as an institution. Expressing Interest A letter of interest, CV/resume, and a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching, professional activity, and/or service must be included for full consideration. At Lesley University we strive for a supportive and equitable environment where people -- regardless of race, physical ability, age, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected personal identities -- can participate equally and fully as their true selves in all aspects of university life. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of our institution. PI658f47a