Senior Budget Accountant

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Senior Budget Accountant is responsible for coordinating the University’s budget development, variance analysis, financial planning, and reporting processes. This position plays a critical role in developing institutional budgets, monitoring financial performance, and supporting leadership decision-making through assisting in data-driven financial analysis. The Senior Budget Accountant performs various reconciliations as part of the month-end close process. This position works closely with the Accounting Manager and Business Office team to ensure alignment between budgets, financial reporting, and institutional financial strategy.

The Senior Budget Accountant 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 in creating annual budgets, periodic forecasts, and preparation of financial reports for executive leadership and the Board of Trustees.

The position reports directly to the CFO, with a dotted line to the Accounting Manager.

Essential Responsibilities

· Assist in the coordination, development, and systems implementation of the University’s annual operating and capital budgeting processes.

· Collaborate with departmental leaders to develop budget projections and financial planning.

· Assist University personnel in understanding budget policies and financial procedures.

· Monitor departmental budgets and perform budget-to-actual variance analysis, identifying significant variances, and conduct follow-up on overspending and unusual expenses.

· Work with Budget Managers on budget questions, revisions, and variances.

· Monitor Capital budget and expense in alignment with the capital plan.

· Write periodic narrative in response to budget-to-actual variance analysis.

· Maintain institutional budget documentation, financial assumptions, and supporting schedules.

· Assist the CFO in the preparation of financial presentations for executive leadership, the Board of Trustees, and standing committees.

· Work with the Accounting Manager to ensure alignment between financial reporting and budget reporting.

· Maintain and improve budget processes, internal controls, and financial planning procedures.

· Reconcile bank accounts as part of the month end close process; submit completed reconciliations to the Accounting Manager for review.

· Monitor debt service responsibilities; payments, contracts, and amortization schedules.

· Assist the CFO with monitoring cash position against forecast outflows to identify potential liquidity shortfalls.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

· Review payroll journal entries against payroll reports for accuracy; approve for system recordation.

· Compare payroll expense against approved budget, and appropriate labor distribution, to include appropriate fringe calculations.

· Remit TIAA remission as part of the payroll processes.

· Manage the purchase card program; issuance, cancelation, limit control, and monitor overall use by individuals for compliance.

· Assist in the completion of annual financial and compliance audits.

· Maintain documentation supporting institutional financial planning and audit readiness.

· Collaborate with the Business Office to improve financial reporting tools and data transparency.

· Perform additional tasks and duties as assigned by the CFO.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Strong knowledge of budgeting methodology and processes.

· Deep understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and financial statements.

· Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.

· Ability to analyze complex financial data and present findings clearly.

· Understanding of fund accounting and endowments.

· 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.

Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field required.

· Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive experience in budgeting, financial planning, accounting, or financial analysis.

· 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.