Financial Analyst at University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, IN, United States

Job description

• The Financial Planning & Analysis team supports Notre Dame’s mission by helping our campus partners achieve their goals and make thoughtful use of University resources. We’re looking for a Financial Analyst who enjoys asking good questions, solving complex problems, and turning financial data into insights that help University leaders make informed decisions. Our work is grounded in teamwork, accountability, integrity, and a shared commitment to the University’s mission.
• Notre Dame’s distinctive mission, collaborative work culture, and University benefits are part of what makes this a rewarding place to build a career. You’ll gain a broad view of how a complex university operates and see your analysis inform important decisions. You’ll work for a department that encourages independent work and ownership, with clear objectives and support from your team.
• You’ll have the opportunity to work on a team that aims to get better each day. You’ll be encouraged to try new things, think creatively, ask thoughtful questions, and learn from experience. Reporting to the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, you will take a data-driven approach to analyzing complex financial issues affecting the University. Your work will span strategic analysis, financial modeling, executive reporting, and special projects, alongside campus partnerships and support for key elements of the University’s $2.0 billion operating budget and forecasting processes.
• One project might assess a new initiative; another might explain a performance trend or compare Notre Dame with peer institutions. In each, you’ll help turn analysis into practical recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Executive Reporting & Leadership Communications: Develop and improve recurring financial reports and dashboards covering year-to-date performance, headcount, reserves, endowment-related metrics, and other key indicators. Prepare clear, accurate analyses and presentations that help University leaders understand results and act on recommendations.
• University Financial Strategy & Modeling: Develop and maintain financial models and scenario analyses supporting the University’s multiyear financial plan, resource allocation decisions, and assessment of financial risk.
• Special Projects: Provide analytical and technical support for strategic, financial, and operational projects, including financial review of new initiatives and cross-functional priorities.
• Campus Partnership & Stewardship: Work with campus business managers and Finance colleagues to evaluate initiatives and resource needs, provide financial guidance and decision support, and recommend opportunities to improve stewardship of unit and University resources.
• Operating Budget & Forecasting: Partner with campus business managers and Finance colleagues on budget strategy, annual budget input, forecasts, projections, budget-to-actual analysis, and effective use of planning tools.
• Comparative Analysis & Benchmarking: Maintain comparative financial and operational datasets, analyze Notre Dame relative to peer institutions, and evaluate economic and higher education trends relevant to University planning.
• Contribute to campus committees and cross-functional initiatives, as needed, and perform other duties supporting the mission of the University and the Finance Division.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and 3-4 years of relevant experience.
• Strong analytical judgment and financial modeling skills, with attention to detail and disciplined quality control in analysis and reporting.
• The ability to work independently from defined objectives, manage multiple priorities, and take ownership of assignments through completion.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex financial and operational information into concise insights, recommendations, and executive-ready communications, even when some information is incomplete.
• A collaborative, service-oriented approach and the interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with colleagues at all levels of the University.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, along with an aptitude for using AI tools to improve work quality and streamline workflows.
• Experience with financial planning, enterprise resource planning (ERP), reporting, or visualization tools such as Anaplan, Banner, or Tableau is beneficial, but not required.
• Education Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (4 years); Accounting, finance or related field
• Experience: 3 to 4 years
• Exercise strong analytical judgment, attention to detail, and disciplined quality control in financial analysis and reporting.
• Work independently from defined objectives, manage multiple priorities, and take ownership of assignments through completion.
• Aptitude to utilize AI tools to enhance work product and streamline efficient workflows.
• Translate complex financial and operational information into concise insights, recommendations, and executive-ready communications, even if all base information is not available.
• Demonstrate strong collaboration, service orientation, and interpersonal skills when working with colleagues at all levels of the University.
• Maintain strong proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint; experience with financial planning, ERP, reporting, or visualization tools such as Anaplan, Banner, or Tableau is beneficial.

Skills

Required

• Manage multiple priorities
• Collaborative, service-oriented approach

Benefits

• Pay range: Up to $85,000 commensurate with experience