Colorado State University · 14 hours ago
Financial Analyst Specialist
Fort Collins, CO
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$80K/yr - $110K/yr
5+ years expColorado State University is a thriving community focused on transforming lives through education and research. The Financial Analyst Specialist provides comprehensive financial management and analytical support for Safety and Risk Services, handling accounting transactions, financial reporting, and budget management.
Education
Responsibilities
Process accounting transactions for Safety and Risk Services and affiliated DUO and HR units, including journal entries, expense transfers, internal orders, and billing activities
Ensure timely and accurate posting of transactions across E&G, auxiliary, and self-funded accounts in accordance with GAAP, GASB, and CSU fiscal policy
Own the monthly close checklist and balance-sheet reconciliations (cash, AR/AP, prepaid/deferrals, accruals); prepare variance analyses and certify close completeness
Reconcile accounts, monitor balances, and resolve discrepancies to maintain financial integrity
Maintain documentation to support audits and compliance reviews
Support purchasing, travel, and procurement card reconciliation processes
Assist with fiscal year-end closeout, accrual entries, and preparation of financial schedules
Prepare monthly and annual financial reports, variance analyses, and forecasts for the Assistant Vice President for Safety and Risk Services and unit directors
Provide ancillary transaction support, reporting and analysis for the Vice President for University Operations and Vice President for Human Resources
Track revenue, expenditures, and carryforward balances; identify and communicate budget trends
Maintain cost models and support annual rate studies and fee reviews to ensure accuracy, compliance, and transparent cost recovery
Support annual budget development and mid-year projections across assigned units
Publish accessible dashboards for leadership and departments highlight
Evaluate and enhance financial and administrative processes within SRS
Develop templates, financial models, and dashboards using Excel, Power BI, AI or other reporting tools
Collaborate with enterprise finance offices (Budget, Controller’s Office, Procurement, IT) to strengthen system efficiency and data integrity
Lead and implement process improvements within the position’s sphere of influence to increase accountability, accuracy, and customer satisfaction
Lead quarterly user-access and segregation-of-duties reviews; serve as internal audit liaison and track remediation to closure
Provide responsive, professional support to SRS, DUO, and HR staff regarding financial inquiries and reporting needs
Demonstrate a service-oriented approach that emphasizes collaboration, accuracy, and responsiveness
Establish service level targets for transaction processing and report requests; monitor and report on performance
Clearly communicate complex financial information to a range of audiences
Participate in divisional and unit meetings, sharing financial insights to support planning and decision-making
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field
5–10 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, budgeting, or financial management in higher education, government, or a comparable organization
Strong understanding of fund accounting, GAAP/GASB, and internal control principles
Experience processing and reconciling transactions in enterprise-level financial systems
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and strong analytical and reporting skills
Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, transparency, and excellent customer service
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Preferred
Master's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Public Administration; CPA or CMA certification
Experience developing or improving enterprise financial systems or analytical reporting tools
Advanced proficiency with Power BI, AI or other data visualization platforms
Demonstrated success implementing financial process improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, or service quality
Familiarity with financial structures, policies, and practices in large universities or public-sector environments
Benefits
Robust benefits package
Collaborative atmosphere
Focus on work-life balance
Company
Colorado State University
At Colorado State, there’s this energy we all share—this undeniable excitement for what’s next. And it’s a feeling you can only find here.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Candace Mathiason
Co-Founder and Director Women in Science (WiSCI) Network
Antonella Torres Peralta
Belly Dance Club President/Founder
Recent News
2026-01-20
2026-01-14
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