Department

BFI - Finance

About the Department

Inspired by our namesakes, Nobel Laureates Gary Becker and Milton Friedman, who believed that economic research could help improve the world, the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) aims to foster frontier research and apply those findings to achieve global impact. Rooted in core values of service, rigor, and innovation, BFI brings together researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, the Law School, and the entire University of Chicago Economics Community to leverage robust data, apply cutting-edge analytical tools, and uncover novel insights on the world’s most difficult economic problems. BFI then bridges the divide between academic researchers and relevant policy makers by translating and packaging rigorous research into accessible formats and proactively sharing those findings with decision-makers and thought leaders in business, government and nonprofit institutions. In this way, BFI has the potential to play a significant role in meeting the most difficult challenges facing the global community.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Finance Manager, the Financial Administrator provides professional support as a primary account administrator for account owners in an intensive customer service environment. The role serves as a key liaison for procurement, payments, and financial transactions while also assisting in budgeting, financial reporting, and forecasting to support long-term planning efforts. This individual works independently to troubleshoot and resolve financial issues, ensuring smooth and efficient financial operations across the department.

This position coordinates projects in monitoring the operating and capital budgets for divisions and/or University-wide administrative units. At the instruction of others, performs work that contributes to development of long and short term financial goals, business strategies/plans, and financial forecasts/models for major service programs and initiatives. Utilizes moderate knowledge of finance to help coordinate quarterly and year-end reporting for the operating budget.

Responsibilities

Supports full accounts payable (A/P) cycle and payment operations, including vendor payments.Processes invoices, reimbursement requests, funding transfers, and non-payroll payments to individuals, corporations, and suppliers.Conducts a thorough review of transactions across multiple payment types, such as ACH, wire transfers, checks, and corporate cards.Maintains monthly, quarterly, and annual A/P and other non-PO payment reconciliations in compliance with University policies.Prepares monthly reports, conducts and corrects errors in accounts using existing procedures that are in place, and provides advice on the financial impact of academic affairs decisions.Develops and administers accounts payable databases; analyzes and manipulates data to prepare standard and ad hoc financial reports.Maintains vendor contacts and supplier set-up within University financial systems, resolving any non-payment issues.Assists in budget planning and forecasting, collaborating with the Finance Manager to support multi-year budget development.Prepares variance reports by tracking expenditures and reconciling financial transactions against the budget.Supports the Finance Manager in financial modeling and data analysis for major spending categories, such as travel, events, and catering.Coordinates and assists in quarterly and year-end financial reporting, working with leadership to provide analytical insights.Supports the audit process for staff GEMS card expenses, ensuring transactions comply with University policies.Works with the Finance Manager on internal grant fund proposal calls and award tracking, ensuring appropriate budget allocations.Assists in financial system transactions using Oracle, Concur, and Workday, and provides guidance to staff on University procurement policies.Monitors corporate credit card transactions and assists cardholders in timely reconciliation to meet Shared Services policies.Works in close collaboration with the Finance Manager and Finance team to assist in fund transfers and financial compliance.Maintains and updates unit-wide financial administration policies, ensuring adherence to best practices and University guidelines.Provides professional support as a primary account administrator for account owners in an intensive customer service environment.Analyzes and prepares budgets, creates accounts, and works with the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses.May work with other administrators on the procurement process, allocates expenditures for authorization, and advises in communications regarding funding agencies, subcontractors, and others at the instruction and direction of others.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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

Minimum of one year of experience in financial administration, accounting, or related roles.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Technical proficiency – experience with financial systems such as Oracle, Concur, and Workday, as well as advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, v-lookups, and financial modeling.

Preferred Competencies

Financial administration and compliance – strong understanding of financial operations, including procurement, accounts payable, and budget tracking, ensuring compliance with University and funding policies.Analytical and problem-solving skills – analyze financial data, reconcile transactions, identify discrepancies, and resolve financial issues independently.Budgeting andforecasting – prepare, analyze, and manage budgets, assist with multi-year financial planning, and provide variance reports to support decision- making.Communication and customer service – excellent verbal and written communication skills to serve as a primary account administrator, liaise with vendors, and assist colleagues with financial transactions.Time management and organization – strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Collaboration and teamwork – work effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including financial managers, administrators, and funding agencies, to support financial operations.Attention to detail and accuracy – ensure financial data integrity, monitors expenditures, and maintains accurate records for audits and reporting.Discretion and professional judgment – maintains confidentiality in handling financial data and exercises sound judgment in financial decision-making.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter (required)Three Professional References Contact Information (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

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

$65,000.00 - $75,000.00

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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