Financial Analyst

The Bard Graduate Center (BGC) invites applications for a Financial Analyst. This is a full-time, on-site position at our campus on West 86th Street in New York City.

The Bard Graduate Center is a graduate research institute in New York City dedicated to the study of the cultural history of the material world and committed to the encyclopedic study of things, drawing on methodologies and approaches from art and design history, history of technology, philosophy, anthropology, and archaeology and cultural history. Our students gravitate to careers in museums, academia, the art world, and publishing. Our MA and PhD degree programs, gallery exhibitions, research initiatives, and public programs explore new ways of thinking about decorative arts, design history, and material culture.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Financial Analyst will be a key member of the finance team. He/she will play a vital role in the financial forecasting and budget planning process to help meet the institution's financial targets. The qualified candidate will support the department with financial reporting, analysis, data collection, financial process improvement, and provide backup for accounting responsibilities when needed.

Primary Responsibilities:

Budget, Financial Forecasting, and Planning:

• Lead the annual fiscal year budget process.
• Work with each department to develop their annual budget and consolidate results into BGC level budgets.
• Prepare monthly spending reports.
• Monitor budget to actual spending.
• Work with each department to minimize negative variances.
• Act as a liaison with department staff regarding spending inquiries.
• Work with development staff to develop grant level budgets.

Financial Reporting, Analysis, and Data Collection:

• Maintain financial models, reporting tools, and data reports to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of financial processes.
• Develop, maintain, and distribute ad-hoc reports and financial models as needed.
• Acquire, manage, manipulate, and analyze substantial amounts of data from multiple sources utilizing Excel, Microsoft Office Suite tools, and other software as needed.

Financial Process Improvement:

• Work with the Chief Operating Officer to identify and implement efficiency improvements to the processing of financial data including expenses reports, credit card payments, corporate accounts, checks, wires, and ACH transactions.
• Identify and implement process improvements in the input of data, including downloads and uploads, to the Banner accounting system maintained by Bard College.
• Identify and implement process improvements in the use of the Argos reporting systems maintained by Bard College to produce monthly financial reports, projections, and budgets.

Provide backup for accounting responsibilities:

• Enter journal entries into the Banner accounting system.
• Enter ACH and wire transactions into JPMorgan Access.
• Process checks.
• Process and post credit card transactions.
• Manage corporate supply accounts.

Other duties as assigned:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a focus in Finance, Accounting or related field preferred.
• Advanced Excel (Financial modeling, pivot tables, financial formulas, etc.) and financial reporting tools.
• Ability to analyze large volumes of data.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to meet deadlines and escalate critical time-sensitive issues promptly.
• Ability to communicate complex financial data in a clear and concise manner to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Sense of professionalism, confidentiality, and a strong work ethic.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Non-profit experience preferred.
• At least 3 years of related experience with analytical research and reporting of complex financial data preferred.
• Experience with Banner accounting system and Argos reporting system.
• Knowledge of grants, billing practices, and related regulations.

We expect the successful candidate to be stronger in some qualifications listed above than others; we are committed to helping our future colleagues expand their skills and hope to learn from their areas of strength.

Bard College is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information.

Bard is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.