Financial Analyst

Understanding of the operations of a research medical school, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, general and cost accounting theory, institutional accounting systems, Service Center operations, federal regulations, financial reporting, budget/forecast development, and fund accounting. Initiative & Communication: Demonstrates initiative, ownership, and proactive problem-solving, with the ability to improve financial processes and collaborate effectively with stakeholders, leadership, faculty, and cross-functional teams.

LeadStack Inc. is an award-winning, one of the nation’s fastest-growing, certified minority-owned (MBE) staffing services provider of contingent workforce. As a recognized industry leader in contingent workforce solutions and Certified as a Great Place to Work, we’re proud to partner with some of the most admired Fortune 500 brands in the world.

Job title: Financial Analyst
Location: Hybrid in Palo Alto CA 94304 (Hybrid – on-site days are Wed and Thu)
Duration: 4-6 Months of Contract 
Pay rate: $58.00/hr

Shift timings: 9- 5 p.m.

 

Job description:

About the Role

• We are seeking a highly analytical, detail-oriented, and proactive Financial Analyst 2 to join our finance team. This position offers an opportunity for a financial professional who enjoys working with complex data, developing innovative reporting solutions, and translating financial information into meaningful insights that support operational and financial decision-making.
• The Financial Analyst 2 will perform complex financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and account reconciliation activities for assigned SADR units and service centers. A key focus of this position will be analyzing financial trends, conducting budget-to-actual and variance analyses, and designing and maintaining financial reporting templates and analytical tools that improve the accuracy, consistency, and efficiency of financial reporting.
• The successful candidate will demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, advanced Excel proficiency, and the ability to independently organize and evaluate large financial data sets. This individual will be expected to look beyond the numbers to identify trends, investigate discrepancies, anticipate potential financial issues, and clearly communicate findings and recommendations to finance leadership and departmental stakeholders.

Duties include:

• Perform and design ad hoc analyses of large complex data sets: reconcile complex accounts. Identify and resolve complex issues which may span multiple areas.
• Construct and assemble data for budgeting and decision making; develop conclusions, and present high-level summary of recommendations. May develop annual budget for individual department/unit.
• Conduct analysis and resolution and recognize exceptions. Participate in developing solutions that may require policy changes or the development of new processes; maintain broader organizational perspective in decision making.
• Execute internal control programs established by management, research new regulations, and recommend and implement approved changes. May manage compliance program for area of responsibility and create complex compliance reports.
• Develop reports and presentations of complex financial data and metrics for management and third parties.
• Participate as a member of a project team; support new initiatives. Make decisions determining approach to managing and completing processes.
• Contribute to unit and organization strategy; assist in the development of change management plans and materials as needed.
• Develop and maintain desktop procedures and process documentation for area of responsibility.
• Define requirements, develop and implement complex test cases, perform system testing and analyze results.
• Participate in critical analysis of existing systems and processes and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Provide consulting advice to client group(s); serve as a resource on matters that require specific technical, financial, or subject matter expertise; support negotiations with external partners.
• Other duties may also be assigned

Education & Experience (Required):

• Bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Required):

• Advanced proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial systems; internet and computer literacy.
• Knowledge of GAAP.
• Strong communication skills, including ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences and client groups.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to contribute to or lead part of a multi-functional team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Understanding of the operations of a research medical school, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, general and cost accounting theory, institutional accounting systems, Service Center operations, federal regulations, financial reporting, budget/forecast development, and fund accounting.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, especially in a large, heavily regulated environment, as well as significant organizational abilities, independence, and self-motivation.
• Knowledge in databases, data extraction methods and report presentation; knowledge of Stanford University’s Oracle financial systems, and the University’s iLab Solutions system, including its data structures and methods of report generation.
• Excellent written and oral communication, including policy writing and reporting of quantitative data.
• Ability to work well with people of varying levels of authority and educational backgrounds in multiple organizations and to elicit cooperation without direct authority in order to enable cooperative problem solving.
• Experience with research grant management and the financial aspects of sponsored projects.

Top 3 requirements to hire:

1. Financial Analysis & Forecasting: Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, reconciliations, and financial reporting within a University environment.
2. Technical & Systems Expertise: Advanced Excel skills, experience with ERP/financial systems (preferably Oracle/OBI), GAAP, fund accounting, and understanding of University financial policies and procedures.
3. Initiative & Communication: Demonstrates initiative, ownership, and proactive problem-solving, with the ability to improve financial processes and collaborate effectively with stakeholders ,leadership, faculty, and cross-functional teams.