Budget & Financial Analyst Lead

Job Description We have an exciting opportunity for a Budget & Financial Analyst Lead at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement, based in our Evanston, Illinois, office. The Financial Analyst Lead leads enterprise financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes to support strategic objectives. This role partners with senior leadership to translate priorities into actionable financial plans, deliver data-driven insights on financial performance, and provides board-ready analysis on budget-to-actual results. The position plays a key role in optimizing resource allocation and continuously improving financial planning processes. This is a hybrid position (Tuesday & Thursday onsite) at our Evanston, IL office. UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement At UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk, created new safety standards and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge. What you’ll learn and achieve: As the Budget & Financial Analyst Lead, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you: Lead the development and management of annual budgets and multi-year financial plans, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy. Partners with senior leaders and department heads to drive financial planning processes, translating strategic priorities with actionable financial plans while ensuring accuracy, accountability, and strategic alignment. Oversee monthly budget-to-actual variance analysis, identifying key drivers and delivering proactive recommendations to optimize costs and improve operational efficiency. Prepare and deliver budget-to-actual variance analyses and support narrative for monthly close meetings and quarterly board reports, clearly articulating key drivers, trends, and implications relative to the approved budget. Develop and present financial reports, forecasts, and analyses to senior leadership and department stakeholders, ensuring clarity and actionable insights. Lead and monitor the quarterly forecasting process, delivering forward-looking projections and actionable insights to support informed decision-making. Provide guidance and oversight in preparation of high-impact budget by department and financial presentations for executive leadership and board-level discussions. Drive continuous improvement of budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes, including tools, methodologies, and data quality enhancements. Mentor and develop analysts, providing coaching and quality review to strengthen team capabilities and performance. Act as a strategic finance partner to functional leaders, supporting decision-making on resource allocation, planning, and cost management. Support large-scale financial initiatives, system implementations, and cross-functional projects. Perform other duties as directed. What you’ll experience working at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement: We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do. People: Our people make us special. You’ll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today’s global challenges require. Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what’s on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You’ll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good. Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs. Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive. Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are eligible for bonus compensation based on the level of the position. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days. What makes you a great fit: While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes: Strong expertise in financial principles, accounting, budgeting, and variance analysis within a complex organizational environment. Advanced ability to analyze complex financial data, synthesize insights, and translate findings into actionable recommendations. Proven ability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively to both financial and non-financial stakeholders. High level of attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and integrity in financial planning and reporting. Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions. Strong collaboration and stakeholder partnership skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally to gather inputs and drive alignment. Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment, managing competing priorities and adapting to changing timelines. Proficiency with financial systems and tools (e.g., Workday, Adaptive, Excel), including advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities. Advanced knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and planning methodologies. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop clear, concise presentations for executive audiences. Experience supporting or leading large-scale business initiatives, including data-driven projects, and process improvements. Professional education and experience requirements for the role include: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Minimum 8 years of directly related experience. Experience with Adaptive and Workday is strongly preferred. About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being. To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org. Salary Range: $98,562.21-$135,523.04 Pay type: Salary Join our Talent Community to stay informed about our upcoming opportunities! UL Standards & Engagement translates scientific discoveries into standards and policies that have the power to make a systemic impact on public safety throughout the world. Distinguished by our independent research and informed foresight, we've been driving cutting-edge science into practical standards since 1903. Our extensive library of standards helps to make everyday things safer, more secure, and more sustainable, from life jackets to batteries to autonomous cars. It’s a mission we pursue across the globe. We partner with leading minds and national standards bodies around the world to draw upon an ever-growing body of scientific knowledge from UL Research Institutes and global experts. Together, we're creating a dynamic road map to a safer future.