Prepares accurate and timely annual budgets and monthly forecasts using the budgeting and planning system, and communicates variance analysis to management in a concise and clear manner.
Performs award accounting and prepares related journal entries as needed in support of the organization's strategic investment activities.
Enters grant budgets into the grant management system for both pre-award and accounting purposes, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements and university policy.
Reviews and approves funding proposals in coordination with principal investigators and the grants team to authorize expenditures in accordance with award terms.
Tracks grant deliverables and prepares interim and closing financial reports per contract requirements.
Processes grant cost corrections through the cost correction workflow system to maintain accurate award balances and ensure proper expense allocation.
Processes payroll and expense cost corrections through HR and workflow management systems to ensure accurate financial records.
Records internal transfers and internal billing in the accounting system on a monthly basis.
Performs monthly bank account reconciliations across accounting, revenue, and bank records to maintain integrity of cash balances.
Conducts a monthly financial review of designated cost centers and prepares supporting documentation.
May process annual bad debt write-offs and generate manual billing as needed.
Processes credit card transactions on a monthly basis and applies cash for manual billing as required.
Conducts recurring reviews of equity holdings, preparing reports and analyzing valuation data where needed in support of the organization's venture investment strategy.
Prepares and distributes monthly department budget-to-actual reports and monthly financial packages at the unit, divisional, and consolidated levels, and performs daily general ledger downloads and reconciliations.
Monitors and reports AP aging on a monthly basis to support cash flow management and vendor relations.
Reconciles legal invoices monthly in the accounting system and collaborates with the Office of Legal Counsel to ensure proper documentation and timely payment.
Completes and submits annual tax filings as needed; and as needed prepares annual escheatment documentation and coordinates payment in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs) for general ledger and accounting processes to support operational consistency, knowledge transfer, and compliance.
Supports the improvement of operational efficiency and strengthens internal controls in compliance with governmental, University, and unit requirements.
Supports special projects across topics including procurement, financial investment structures or performance, budgeting, and more.
Analyzes and prepares budgets, creates accounts, and works with the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses.
Prepares monthly reports, conducts and correct errors in accounts using existing procedures that are in place, and provides advice on the financial impact of human resources and academic affairs decisions.
May work with other administrators on the procure
Benefits
Vision insuranceEquity / stock options
Additional Information
Department
SING Polsky Finance & Accounting
About the Department
The Polsky Center advances innovative ideas and technologies from the University of Chicago ecosystem to the world. Our team is dedicated to supporting faculty, students, staff, and alumni, as well as other entrepreneurs and local business owners, in navigating the complex process of bringing new products, services, and research to market. The Polsky Center's programming includes a top-ranked business accelerator, the Edward L. Kaplan, '71, New Venture Challenge; a multi-disciplinary co-working space called the Polsky Exchange; the George Shultz Innovation Fund that invests in early-stage ventures; and deep tech accelerators focused on areas including quantum, data science and AI, and energy ventures. In addition, the Polsky Center houses the University of Chicago's technology transfer unit, which manages all University-based intellectual property originating from faculty research and its commercialization.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Director, Finance and Accounting, the General Ledger Financial Analyst is responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the organization's general ledger, financial reporting, grant accounting, and equity holdings analysis. This role works closely with Polsky Center leaders to review comprehensive financial information on a periodic basis and collaborates with colleagues across the Polsky Center to ensure that all financial data is accurate, complete, and aligned with institutional objectives. The General Ledger Financial Analyst partners with department heads, the grants team, and senior finance leadership to deliver timely analysis that supports strategic decision-making across the organization.