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Join our team of student-focused individuals working together in order to encourage intellectual and spiritual growth, leadership and service.
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University of the Cumberlands is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Financial Analyst to join the Finance Office. This role provides essential support for financial reporting, budgeting, and accounting functions, with a particular focus on improving reporting processes, supporting campus departments, and assisting with restricted fund monitoring.
The role supports the use of data analytics and emerging AI tools to enhance financial reporting, forecasting, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate combines strong accounting and analytical skills with an interest in applying data and technology within a mission-driven private higher education environment.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare quarterly and annual financial reports, including supporting schedules and reconciliations
- Oversee that regulatory and institutional reporting requirements are met
- Perform variance analysis and ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data
- Maintain financial models, reports, and dashboards to support decision-making
- Support accounting and financial reporting processes, including journal entry review, account reconciliations, and variance analysis
Budget Support
- Serve as a first point of contact for routine budget inquiries from academic and administrative departments
- Administer budget-to-actual analysis and help departments understand variances and spending guidelines
- Prepare, maintain, and monitor annual operating budgets and quarterly reports for Operating and Restricted Accounts
Accounting & Compliance
- Handle account reconciliations, transaction reviews, and month-end/year-end close processes
- Perform accounting and financial reporting processes, including journal entry review, account reconciliations, and variance analysis
- Support audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory reporting, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to accounting standards
Restricted Funds & Reporting
- Track and monitor departmental restricted funds
- Support preparation of departmental restricted fund reports
- Contribute to improving processes for restricted account tracking and reporting
Data & Process Improvement
- Utilize tools such as Excel, Power BI, or similar platforms to enhance reporting and data visualization
- Support the use of AI and data analytics tools (e.g., automation, anomaly detection, predictive insights) to improve efficiency and accuracy
- Help document and standardize recurring financial processes to strengthen internal controls
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or related field
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivot tables, basic modeling)
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences
Preferred:
- Internship or academic experience in financial analysis, accounting, or higher education finance
- Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, etc.)
- Basic knowledge of data analytics, automation, or AI tools (e.g., Python, SQL, or similar)
Skills & Competencies
- Strong understanding of both financial analysis and accounting fundamentals
- Curiosity and willingness to apply AI and emerging technologies in financial processes
- Analytical thinking with a data-driven mindset
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information
- Willingness to learn and adapt in a mission-driven academic environment
Work Environment
This position operates in a professional office environment within a private higher education institution. Responsibilities may require extended hours during peak periods such as budget development, audits, and fiscal year-end. The role involves collaboration across departments and engagement with financial, accounting, and data systems that support institutional operations and compliance.
Cumberlands is different by design. Our employees exemplify our motto in the pursuit of a
“life-more-abundant.”