Financial Data Analyst

Financial Data Analyst

The primary function of this Financial Data Analyst position is to provide data-driven insights and process leadership for complex initiatives. While the primary focus is financial aid and gift fund planning, you will also support other operational workflows requiring heavy data compilation, financial modeling, and strategic coordination. Reporting to the Director of Analytics and IT, you will leverage your analytical background to create financial plans, forecasts, budgets, coordinate process execution, and improve workflows.

As a newly created role, this position offers an exciting opportunity to help define and shape an important area of work. The responsibilities may evolve over time as priorities develop, making this an ideal opportunity for someone who is adaptable, innovative, and eager to contribute to something new.

A link to the full job description can be found here.

Responsibilities*

• Lead the financial aid planning and disbursement process, ensuring deadlines are met and awards are processed accurately and efficiently.
• Monitor scholarship fund balances, forecast annual aid spending, and support financial aid budget development.
• Collaborate with Student Affairs, Finance, Development, HR, and Graduate Student Affairs to allocate, document, and manage aid funding.
• Conduct budget-to-actual variance analysis, investigate discrepancies, and recommend adjustments.
• Manage pooled operational budgets and adapt plans based on funding or strategic changes.
• Fulfill complex data requests and conduct ad hoc analysis to support decision-making and benchmarking.
• Develop dashboards, scheduled reports, and visualizations using tools such as BusinessObjects, Tableau, and Google Data Studio.
• Serve as a business intelligence resource for Finance and partner departments, supporting data integrity and standardized reporting.
• Build self-service reporting resources, technical guides, process documentation, templates, and operational checklists.
• Improve workflows and team efficiency using tools such as Google Workspace, Wrike, Asana, or TeamDynamix.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Data Analytics, Economics, or a related field, with an understanding of financial and analytical principles.
• 2+ years of professional experience in data analysis, financial modeling, business operations, or a related analytical role.
• Experience creating financial forecasts, budgets, and long-term models.
• Advanced proficiency in using spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets) to manipulate large datasets, vlookup, create pivot tables, build financial models, and analyze complex data.
• Experience using reporting or Business Intelligence tools (e.g., Business Objects, Tableau, Google Data Studio or similar tools).
• Experience coordinating administrative processes, managing project timelines, or driving workflow improvements.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance.
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Modes of Work

The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.

Work Locations

The position is designed as a hybrid role with a blend of remote and onsite responsibilities (3 days onsite/2 remote).

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.