Financial Planning and Analysis Specialist

Summary

Under the direction and supervision of the Research Operations Manager, the Financial Analyst I provides financial and administrative support for the MVM Service Centers (CMMR, 3D Core, Enteroid, and Tailor) and associated research programs. This position assists with financial reporting, budget tracking, invoice processing, account reconciliations, grant administration support, and other financial activities that support research and operational objectives.

The Financial Planning and Anaylsis Specialist works closely with the Research Operations Manager and departmental stakeholders to ensure accurate financial recordkeeping, compliance with institutional policies, and efficient operational support. This role is designed for individuals seeking to develop a career in finance, research administration, or higher education operations and offers exposure to a broad range of financial management activities within a dynamic academic research environment.

This is a part-time position working approximately 25 hours per week. As our TAILOR service centers and research programs expand, opportunities for increased responsibilities and potential transition to a full-time role may become available based on funding, programmatic needs, and performance. This position includes mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities under the guidance of the Research Operations Manager. The incumbent will gain hands-on experience in budgeting, financial analysis, sponsored research administration, service center operations, and institutional financial systems while building the knowledge and skills needed for future career advancement.

A hybrid work arrangement may be available in accordance with departmental and institutional policies, operational needs, and performance expectations.

Job Duties

Financial Support

1. Assist the Research Operations Manager with budget preparation, financial tracking, and expense monitoring for service centers and research programs.
2. Prepare routine financial reports, spreadsheets, and supporting documentation.
3. Reconcile accounts and assist with reviewing financial transactions for accuracy and completeness.
4. Track revenues and expenditures and identify discrepancies for manager review.
5. Assist with processing budget revisions, journal entries, funding transfers, and other financial transactions.
6. Maintain organized financial records and supporting documentation.

Service Center Financial Support

1. Prepare and distribute service center invoices under the direction of the Research Operations Manager.
2. Assist with monitoring accounts receivable and maintaining invoice records.
3. Collect, organize, and maintain financial data used for service center cost analyses and rate development.
4. Assist with tracking service center expenditures, revenues, and utilization metrics.
5. Support inventory tracking and financial record management for service center supplies and equipment.

Research Administration Support

1. Assist with the preparation of grant budgets and budget documentation for proposal submissions.
2. Maintain grant-related financial records, spreadsheets, and supporting documentation.
3. Assist with monitoring sponsored project expenditures and budget balances for managerial review.
4. Gather and organize documentation required for sponsor and institutional reporting.
5. Support pre-award and post-award administrative activities as directed.
6. Assist with financial reconciliations and tracking of grant-related expenditures.

Administrative and Operational Support

1. Process financial transactions in SAP, SRM, and other institutional systems.
2. Assist with procurement activities, payment requests, and vendor-related documentation.
3. Maintain departmental financial files and electronic record systems.
4. Support audits, special projects, and process improvement initiatives.
5. Perform other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Four years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• One year of relevant experience.
• Internship, student employment, or academic project experience involving finance, accounting, budgeting, business operations, or data analysis.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to learn institutional policies, procedures, and financial systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Interest in financial management, research administration, or higher education administration.
• Experience using Excel for data analysis, reporting, or financial tracking.
• Familiarity with financial, accounting, or enterprise systems through coursework, internships, or prior employment.

Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.