Department

BSD AFA - Accounting

About the Department

The University of Chicago biomedical enterprise houses three entities: the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM), and the Pritzker School of Medicine. Collectively called UCM, we are one of the nation's leading academic medical institutions and have been at the forefront of discovery, education, and clinical care since 1927. Located 20 minutes south of downtown Chicago, our Hyde Park main campus provides a single environment for learning, world-renowned basic science and clinical research, and outstanding clinical care. The BSD is the largest academic unit within the University.

The BSD is comprised of faculty from ten basic science departments, 13 clinical departments, and several Centers and Institutes. The approximately 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members working in the BSD collaborate across the organization to achieve our Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV):

MISSION: As part of the University of Chicago, we pursue globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges. Through our rigorous research, innovative education, and comprehensive care and healing, we collaborate on life-changing advancements that create meaningful results for our community and the world, including a greater, more equitable future for all.

VISION: Together, we elevate the human experience with knowledge and health care.

VALUES:

• Commit to Excellence: We contribute our exceptional talents to all we do and empower the same spirit of excellence in others.
• Embrace Curiosity: We stay open to new ideas, champion diverse perspectives, and drive a culture of thoughtful risk-taking to deliver transformative innovation.
• Embody Equity: We identify systemic issues and then foster change to drive a more equitable environment inclusive of diverse people, ideas, and fields of science.
• Grow Together: We meaningfully collaborate with one another to create something bigger than we could ever achieve alone.
• Make a Difference: We lead with heart and compassion in all our interactions. We create positive change in our areas of influence, whether expanding scientific inquiry, developing the next generation of leaders, or healing our community.
• Take Ownership: We accomplish what we say we will and hold ourselves and one another accountable for our actions.

The MVV serves as our True North, charting our strategic plan for the next ten years and beyond. It is an exciting time to be a part of the University of Chicago and the BSD. Our team is helping to shape the future for our learners, staff, faculty, patients, and community.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Senior Director, Finance Service Delivery Unit, this position provides financial and accounting support to the Department, operating with a high degree of independence. Manages accounts payable and accounts receivable tasks to ensure timely and accurate payment of invoices and billing. Provides analytical support for financial and budget projects. Performs monthly review of the financial statements by reviewing reports and accounting records to determine if allocated funds have been spent as specified. May be involved in long-range financial planning. May take the lead on discrete, moderately complex financial projects with limited oversight from the Senior Director. Completes ad hoc reporting/analysis and other miscellaneous tasks as needed.

Responsibilities

• Performs reporting/analysis for the Service Delivery Unit (SDU), including independent report generation, analysis, projections, and verification of accuracy of financial information.
• Initiates, tracks, and reports on external billing agreements and prepares associated monthly/quarterly invoicing.  
• Performs ad hoc reporting/financial analysis as needed by Senior Director of Finance and/or Executive Administrator including daily volume and billing data as well as monthly productivity reporting. 
• Assumes lead responsibility for maintaining files related to trends such as spend analysis.  
• Assists Director/Manager in reporting deliverables and department functions, with expectation to perform this work with increasing independence as experience is gained. 
• Participates in the creation of the annual operating budget, including analysis of actual financial information to inform budget. 
• Performs accounts payable and accounts receivable tasks to ensure timely and accurate payment of invoices and billing.
• Responsible for check deposits/claiming funds and ensures compliance in depositing funds to the correct COA/POETAF segment.
• Serves as a resource to departmental stakeholders for questions regarding procurement workflow.
• Responsible for annual benchmark survey completion. 
• Provides assistance to departments and SDUs in chart of account utilization. 
• Provides assistance to departments and SDUs in accessing data, becoming a subject matter expert on Oracle and Orbit.  
• Leverages Excel and other available tools to streamline and automate reports.
• Serves as a resource and mentor to analysts, providing training on financial processes, systems, and best practices. 
• Represents the Service Delivery Unit team, using an operational-excellence mindset, when working with internal and external stakeholders.
• Works independently to maintain and support the planning and execution of financial strategy. ​​
• Acts as a resource for team members, solves complex problems. Explains complex and sensitive information. 
• Performs other related work as needed. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. 

Experience:

• Background working in a university setting. 
• Financial modeling experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Financial modeling skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

​Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically.
• Develop and analyze alternative solutions and assist in making recommendations.
• Comprehend and interpret various financial concepts and principles.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Strong practical knowledge of financial analysis methodologies.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels. 
• Intellectual versatility and creativity.
• Work in a collaborative team environment.
• Independently complete projects on time and accurately with minimal supervision.
• Work effectively and gracefully under considerable time pressure with competing deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment .

Working Conditions

• Office environment.
• Work non-traditional hours when necessary.
• Weekend/Evening hours as needed.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• Professional References Contact Information (preferred)(3)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled

Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$90,000.00 - $130,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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