at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Job Opening Id: 54428
Department: Division Operations & Services
Salary/Grade: EXS/11
About Student Affairs: Nearly 30 departments make up the Division of Student Affairs, from housing to food services, career services to counseling, the student center to student org advising, and so much more. Student Affairs enriches the Northwestern experience outside of the classroom. This division engages students in activities and culture in both the campus and surrounding community. Student Affairs offers support to students in need and creates an environment that makes Northwestern students Wildcats for life. Community and community-building are integral to the culture of Student Affairs, shaping how we support students, collaborate across departments, and foster a sense of belonging at Northwestern.
Learn more about the Division of Student Affairs here: https://www.northwestern.edu/studentaffairs/
Job Summary
The Director of Financial Analysis provides strategic financial leadership, analysis, and decision support for the Division of Student Affairs, with significant responsibility for supporting complex auxiliary and revenue-generating operations. Reporting to the Executive Director of Administration and Finance, this position partners closely with divisional and departmental leaders to develop budgets, forecasts, financial models, variance analyses, and reporting tools that support sound resource planning and operational decision-making.
The Director manages complex financial operations, including budget development, financial reporting, account reconciliation, internal controls, long-range forecasting, and analysis of revenue, expense, labor, contract, and operational trends. This role serves as a trusted financial advisor to Student Affairs leadership and helps translate financial data into clear, actionable insights that support service delivery, resource allocation, and long-term financial sustainability.
In addition, the Director applies professional accounting and financial management standards while interpreting university policies, procedures, and relevant regulations. The position identifies opportunities for process improvement, strengthens internal controls, and recommends best practices to enhance operational effectiveness. As a recognized subject matter expert, the Director represents and advises Student Affairs on internal and external financial matters and serves as a key resource on the division's financial operations and strategy.
Pay: The salary range for this Director of Financial Analysis position is $110,000-115,360 annually, depending on experience, skills, and internal equity.
Principal Accountabilities:
35% Analysis, Statements and Reporting:
- Measures individual net performance of all areas/units as well as consolidated area/unit income statement and balance sheet with the use of pre-defined analytical financial tools.
- Recommends changes to tools to improve analysis, forecasting, modeling and reporting and ultimately quality of financial information and analyses provided to management for planning, evaluating and controlling operations.
- Establishes proper accounting and audit trails for revenue and expenses related to programs and initiatives.
- Oversees monthly reconciliation and reports on current financial performance, impact on year-end forecast and opportunities and risks. <
