Principal Financial Analyst

Job Summary Under the general supervision of the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, the Principal Analyst provides strategic leadership in financial and resource planning, budget development and management, and analytical support across a complex portfolio of departments and programs. The position serves as a lead financial expert for the division, managing multi‑source budgets that may include state funds, student fees, contracts and grants, gift and endowment funds, auxiliary income, and other revenue sources. The Principal Analyst is responsible for supporting the financial health of the departments and units they are assigned to, serving as the primary advisor on all budget and financial matters. The Principal Analyst develops, implements, and oversees divisional fiscal systems, policies, and procedures to ensure operational efficiency, compliance, and effective stewardship of university resources. This includes internal controls, business process improvement, forecasting, and long‑range financial planning. The Principal Analyst advises executive leadership, serves as a liaison to campus offices, leads financial reporting, and contributes to divisional strategic planning. In addition, the role may provide guidance or supervision to other analysts and administrative staff. The incumbent ensures that financial planning and analysis efforts are aligned with broader organizational objectives to support divisional and institutional priorities. Appointment Information Budgeted Salary: $100,000–$115,000 annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience. Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount. Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits Schedule Information: Full-time, Fixed Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week Days of the Week: Mon‑Fri Shift Includes: Day Employee Classification: Career appointment Job End Date: None Work Location: Remote Union Representation: Clerical Employees (CX) Job Code Classification: FINANCIAL ANL 4 CX (006347) Travel: Never or Rarely Job Duties 35% – Financial Planning and Analysis/Transaction Management Conducts complex analysis to assess past and forecasted financial performance. Leads development and maintenance of long‑range financial models and business plans. Prepares detailed analyses for operating, capital, and auxiliary budgets. Performs scenario analysis to support decision‑making by senior leadership. Serves as divisional expert in fund management and financial policy. Prepares, reviews, and/or approves advanced financial transactions across units. Communicates departmental financial standing, risk areas, and opportunities for improvement. 30% – Budget Development and Oversight Serves as the lead financial advisor for assigned departments. Coordinates annual budget planning process across assigned departments. Develops revenue and expenditure projections; monitors budgets for compliance and performance. Collaborates with departments on financial status updates and reporting. Advises unit leaders on financial and operational implications of decisions. Prepares and presents detailed financial reports, dashboards, and forecasts. Oversees budget implementation and reallocation processes. 10% – Policy, Compliance, and Internal Controls Develops and implements internal control procedures and policies to protect university assets. Interprets and ensures compliance with UC, state, and federal financial policies. Coordinates interpretation and implementation of division‑wide practices such as merit/salary savings calls, gifts, contracts, purchasing, entertainment and travel. Advises managers on appropriate use of funds and delegations of authority. Reinforces accountability for regular reconciliations and financial reporting within departments and units. Leads or contributes to policy development and planning initiatives aligned with division and campus financial strategies. 10% – Systems and Reporting Ensures consistent, clear communication of unit‑specific financial data to divisional stakeholders. Designs and implements automated reporting tools; supports data‑informed decision‑making. Creates and maintains dashboards and advanced Excel‑based models. Collaborates with IT and central offices to enhance financial systems functionality. Provides input on proposed campus and systemwide financial policies. 5% – Capital and Facilities Financial Management Provides fiscal support for major maintenance, capital projects, and space planning. Coordinates funding models and debt service forecasting. Supports the preparation of capital requests and reporting including equipment/tech calls, minor/major capital grants, and space assignments. 5% – Personnel Budgeting Tracks permanent budgets for salary provisions, reclassifications, and hiring. Serves as control point for HR transactions with fiscal impact. Liaises with DSAS HR on personnel actions. 5% – Ad Hoc Requests, Committees, and other Divisional Support Supports strategic initiatives and cross‑functional projects as assigned. Participates in or leads special committees or working groups. Provides financial analysis, reporting, or planning support for ad hoc requests aligned with divisional priorities. Provides training and guidance to unit budget analysts and administrative staff. May supervise or lead other finance, business, or clerical professionals or student workers. Fosters a collaborative, customer‑service‑oriented team culture. Required Qualifications Advanced degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. Ability to independently identify, collect, and analyze information from multiple sources. Advanced ability to effectively present complex finance related information both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner. In‑depth ability to use multiple spreadsheet and database software tools to gather information for specialized, complex financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports. Advanced interpersonal skills to effectively engage with individuals at all levels of the organization. Advanced critical thinking skills. Strong attention to detail. Advanced service orientation skills. In‑depth ability to use organizational skills to multi‑task in a high volume environment. Ability to adapt to changing priorities. Ability to function as a member of a team. Preferred Qualifications Advanced knowledge of finance policies, practices, and systems. Advanced knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources. Special Conditions of Employment Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre‑employment criminal history background check. Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process. This is a fully remote position, and the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement. This position requires the ability to report to campus to work in‑person as operationally required, with reasonable notice as determined by your manager; travel expenses not covered. Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training. The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program. Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here. Misconduct Disclosure Requirement As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. 'Misconduct' means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination Policy Abusive Conduct in the Workplace Safety Statement All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries. EEO/AA The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti‑discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor. #J-18808-Ljbffr