Senior Financial Analyst

OverviewStanford University is one of Silicon Valley's largest employers — and one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. Stanford is committed to fostering a workplace culture that promotes diversity, collaboration, and professional growth, with career development programs, competitive pay, and benefits that increase financial stability and promote healthy, fulfilling lives.Research—the creation of new knowledge—is key to Stanford's educational mission. Stanford research has led to breakthrough remedies, devices, tools, and concepts, and hundreds of initiatives for the betterment of humanity, including MRI technology, DNA cloning, the Pill, heart transplantation, and digital music.The Office of Research Administration (ORA) provides a range of services to support the research mission and sponsored projects administration at Stanford. ORA comprises Cost and Management Analysis; Property Management Office; Research Administration Policy and Compliance; Sponsored Receivables Management; Client Advocacy and Education; Organizational Insights; and the Office of Sponsored Research. ORA also oversees the Stanford Electronic Research Administration (SeRA), eCertification, CRISP, and ePLUS systems. ORA manages the lifecycle of sponsored research from proposal submission and award negotiation through financial reporting and award closeout, submitting over 5,000 new proposals, reviewing and negotiating over 7,000 agreements, and managing more than 7,500 active sponsored projects annually with a total research budget approaching $2.2 billion.The job focus below reflects the Senior Financial Analyst role within RAPC.Job PurposeThe Senior Financial Analyst is part of ORA's Research Administration Policy and Compliance (RAPC) team. RAPC plays a central role in research financial compliance, overseeing service centers compliance, quarterly eCertification processes, annual Uniform Guidance (Single) audit and sponsored research audits, indirect cost burdening setup and oversight, campus-wide service centers, and specialized expenditure allocation PTAs (EAPTA). RAPC is the business process owner of Oracle Grants Accounting, eCertification and iLab shared facilities systems.RAPC partners with the VP/Dean of Research office and the Office of Sponsored Research to develop research financial compliance policies. The Senior Financial Analyst reports to the Senior Director of Policy and Compliance and serves as a technical expert administering the service centers compliance process, providing audit support, and assisting in applying internal policies and external regulations.This position is eligible for hybrid or domestic (US) remote work. A remote worker arrangement may be considered for candidates with the appropriate background and experience. Remote workers' schedules are based in the Pacific Time zone.CORE DUTIESPerform highly analytical, complex finance and control functions; conduct multi-dimensional reconciliations and related analysis; review and approve complex transactions and high-value transactions (e.g., complex service centers budgets and rates analysis, data review, and related analysis).Research and synthesize data; interpolate results from large data sets, identify trends, draw conclusions, develop solutions, present and implement recommendations, and perform follow-up analyses.Identify and resolve unique issues of substantial significance; recognize exceptions and conduct in-depth analysis; recommend and develop solutions that may require policy changes or new processes; maintain a broad university perspective in decision making.Review, design, and implement internal control programs; research new regulations and implement approved changes.Lead and execute unit or cross-functional projects; influence decisions affecting operational effectiveness, policies, or processes.Engage in continuous critical analysis of systems and processes; define requirements, develop and implement complex test cases, perform testing, and analyze results.Lead and support unit and organization strategy and change management initiatives.Provide training on new financial systems; represent the organization to client groups and external partners; serve as a subject matter expert on complex technical, financial, or policy matters.Assess client and business needs; formulate recommendations for managing and completing processes.May supervise, train, coach, and review the work of other staff as needed.Monitor monthly reviews and quarterly certifications; perform outreach as needed; monitor manual certifications and exemption requests for approval by the Senior Director.Provide technical support for iLab system issues; troubleshoot end-user issues; guide campus users in navigating the iLab system.Identify and resolve unique issues; use JIRA to log exceptions and conduct in-depth analysis using advanced technical knowledge.Implement service centers internal controls and compliance programs; interpret internal policy and external regulations; create/review complex compliance reports.Engage in continuous analysis of service centers financial processes; recommend improvements; define requirements and perform testing; analyze results.Assist the Senior Director with audit support and other assigned compliance duties.* - Other duties may also be assignedMINIMUM REQUIREMENTSEducation & Experience:Bachelor's degree and six years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience. Eight or more years of relevant experience is preferred.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Advanced proficiency in business applications (Oracle Applications, Microsoft Office, especially Excel).Advanced knowledge of ERP and financial systems; internet and computer literacy.Knowledge of GAAP.Advanced professional communication skills for presenting to internal and external audiences.Strong project management skills and ability to contribute to or lead a multi-functional team.Excellent communication skills and professional temperament for interacting with faculty and campus users on certification matters.Ability to establish good working relations with cross-functional teams including compliance officers, technical support teams, and campus users.Certifications and Licenses:CPA or similar professional certification highly desirable.WORKING AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONSWorking Conditions:Routine extended working hours during peak cycles; travel to school/unit sites across the university.Physical Requirements:Constant sitting; desk-based computer tasks; telephone use; writing by hand; sort/file paperwork.Occasionally stand/walk; lift/carry objects weighing 11-20 pounds.Rarely reach/work above shoulder.* Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.WORK STANDARDSInterpersonal Skills: work well with Stanford colleagues, clients, and external organizations.Promote Culture of Safety: commit to safety and responsible behavior; raise safety concerns and practice safe behaviors.Subject to and comply with all applicable University policies, including those in the Administrative Guide.This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures. Compensation will be based on the location of the successful candidate.The expected pay range for this position is $144,052 to $151,000 per annum for hybrid positions; $116,377 to $149,775 per annum for remote positions.Stanford provides pay ranges as a good faith estimate of compensation. Final pay is determined by factors including scope, qualifications, department budget, internal equity, geographic location, and market pay for comparable roles.Base pay is only one component of the rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (benefits and rewards) provides details on the benefits offered. Specifics may be discussed during the hiring process.The job duties listed are typical examples and may not be an exhaustive list of duties. Duties may vary by department or program without changing the general nature of the job. Employees may perform other duties as assigned.Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants and employees with disabilities. Contact Stanford University Human Resources for an accommodation during the application or hiring process.Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Additional InformationSchedule: Full-timeJob Code: 4453Employee Status: RegularGrade: JRequisition ID: 107197Work Arrangement: Hybrid Eligible, Remote Eligible, On Site #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17