Department: Advancement and Alumni Relations

Classification: Financial Svcs Specialist 1

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Remote Eligible

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Financial Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The University Advancement division is a comprehensive development and alumni relations enterprise with a staff complement of approximately 135 FTE. Functional units within Advancement include development/fundraising, alumni relations, stewardship and donor relations, advancement communications, special events, gift processing, research, prospect management, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, information systems and management, and infrastructure services.
The mission of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations is to build strong, lifelong relationships with George Mason University’s alumni and constituents while matching their philanthropic interests with the university’s aspirations and priorities.
The division is committed to serving the needs of the university, our alumni, and the greater community by providing access to quality education and lifelong learning. Respect, service, integrity, collaboration, diversity, transparency, and creativity are the values that guide our work and culture.

About the Position:

The Finance Analyst is an integral member of the Advancement and Alumni Relations Business Office and is responsible for several purchasing and budget functions including purchasing, reconciling accounts, maintaining financial records, and updating internal policies and procedures.
The Finance Analyst serves as a key strategic partner to the Director of Finance and Operations. This position oversees the financial operations of the Advancement and Alumni Relations division, ensuring responsible financial stewardship and analysis, oversight, and maintenance of operational and special project budgets.

Responsibilities:

Budget Reports and Tracking:

• Implements budget performance tracking to ensure adherence to any budget performance directives and mitigate any unfavorable variances through proactive analysis and strategic adjustments;
• Analyzes budgets and financial data for all teams in the unit;
• Relays fiscal information relevant to stakeholders, including, but not limited to, trend analysis, variances from budget/projection, and year-to-date results;
• Manages assigned financial analysis and forecasting projects;
• Develops and analyzes reports for forecasting, trending, and results analysis;
• Identifies problems and specific issues in a particular budget area, and recommends solutions or alternatives;
• Coordinates with finance leads across the University, including Finance Officers and Budget Analysts, on a regular basis to enhance analysis and enrich reporting;
• Develops tools and templates to guide budget development, and monitors and trains appropriate staff in the application of these tools;
• Analyzes budget activities to report on financial performance and irregularities;
• Provides effective decision-making and accurate analysis of data;
• Facilitates the efficient use of time, money, and resources;
• Consolidates budget requests and prepares initial draft for review;
• Helps ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to management, leadership, and other financial report users; works with staff to identify issues and provide recommendations for resolution; and
• Provides appropriate financial reporting-related services to other entities affiliated with the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations. 

Purchasing and Reconciling Management:

• Develops, implements, and maintains appropriate financial and operational practices and structures that are aligned with University standards;
• Identifies, recommends, and implements changes to financial processes and procedures to improve workflows;
• Creates and maintains up-to-date documentation of procedures;
• Develops and coordinates complex projects and assignments;
• Complies with University and federal policies and regulations in the submission of documentation;
• Reviews and approves travel, mileage, and staff reimbursement requests for accuracy;
• Provides individuals with feedback and guidance to fix their forms;
• Purchases goods and services using the eVA procurement system;
• Enters eVA confirming orders as necessary, and submits invoices for payment;
• Manages a division-wide GMUF credit card and PCard for purchases;
• Reconciles expenses on a regular basis;
• Processes all vouchers for Central Advancement;
• Reconciles and analyzes all reconciliation, and monthly budget to actuals; and
• Creates and maintains all financial records. 

 Financial Point of Contact and Trainer:

• Implements, communicates, and manages Central Advancement’s financial procedures and financial controls in accordance with the policies and practices of the University;
• Serves as point of contact for all questions related to Finance, which includes:
  • Purchasing (eVA, SWAM vendors, state purchase card, contract negotiations)
  • Accounts Payable (state and foundation, submitting invoices)
  • Travel/Food and Beverage
  • Journal Vouchers (state and foundation)
  • Reimbursements (state and foundation)
• Applies knowledge of accounting functions or principles, general business practices, collection procedures, and/or applicable computer systems;
• Acquires knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations;
• Applies understanding of allowable expenses for University (E&G) and Foundation transactions;
• Requests additional detail/support from employees and/or vendors;
• Creates guides and resources to help teach staff through procurement processes;
• Manages and updates all financial policies and procedures for Central Advancement to ensure they align with the organizational goals and professional development of employees;
• Develops, manages, and delivers comprehensive financial training of Central Advancement staff;
• Develops and delivers financial procedural and software training programs for Central Advancement;
• Collaborates and designs training materials to maintain an up-to-date library of financial resources;
• Delivers and provides informational material in various forms at levels suitable for the intended audience;
• Provides ongoing support and training to applicable staff; and
• Creates and manages all training communications as it relates to finance in the Central Advancement Office.

Other related duties as assigned:

• Handles any special projects as directed by the Director of Finance and Operations within the scope of the role;
• Demonstrates an ability to take initiative, and follow through on specific requests; and
• Exhibit independent decision-making. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Some demonstrated relevant work experience in purchasing, procurement, or accounting (typically two or more years);
• Experience with purchasing policies and procedures;
• Knowledge and understanding of financial concepts (including development, interpretation, and implementation) for financial planning, resource planning, and control of organizational budget;
• Knowledge and understanding of financial forecasting and ability to learn financial and budget strategies;
• Knowledge and understanding of budgets, budget development and implementation, and related financial reporting;
• Solid analytical skills with the ability to think strategically;
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; ability to listen and express ideas and thoughts effectively;
• Ability to analyze and manipulate data sets in Excel, and transform data sets and quantitative analysis into compelling visuals;
• Ability to run, compile, and analyze complex sets of data and reports;
• Ability to work collaboratively, meet deadlines, anticipate problems, and proactively alert supervisor;
• Ability to effectively organize work; multi-task; self-initiate tasks, and bring them to closure; handle frequent interruptions in a fast-paced work environment;
• Ability to work effectively and independently with attention to detail;
• Prioritize workload and follow up on all processes; act with flexibility and adaptability; and 
• Ability to handle highly personal information and maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure;
• Experience in higher education or non-profit;
• Experience working with large financial database systems;
• Knowledge of accounting, finance, or business management, preferably in higher education;
• Advanced proficiency in the use of Excel; and
• Knowledge of George Mason University and George Mason University Foundation, Inc. policies and regulations.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Financial Analyst at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume.

Posting Open Date: March 29, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by: April 12, 2024

Open Until Filled?: Yes