Description

At Westminster College, we believe in immersive and enriching experiences that inspire creative thinking and problem solving. We believe in creating opportunities for several different paths to success over a lifetime and the potential to make an impact from wherever you are. For our students, we do this by providing real-world, hands-on learning opportunities, small class sizes, and talented professors dedicated to the individual. Our employees often remark that our tight-knit community creates an atmosphere fostering campus involvement that adapts to all interests. As a result, Westminster continues to be recognized for its excellence in higher education as one of the best small liberal arts colleges in the Midwest.

The Financial Analyst, under the direction of the Associate Vice President and Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, in partnership with the Associate Vice President and Controller, and Accounting Manager is responsible for various financial and related functions, including, but not limited to, general ledger and analysis, budget analysis and reporting, endowment fund investment portfolio analysis and related endowment fund matters and audit preparation. The Financial Analyst monitors spending, prepares budget reports, and analyzes data on a routine basis. The position looks for trends and perform cost-benefit analyses on both operational matters and strategic initiatives.

Requirements

Essential Functions:

1) Budgeting: 

a) Collaborate with department staff in the development of the institution’s annual operating and capital budgets, assist in summarizing budgets and offer insight regarding endowment fund requests, assists in review of budget proposals for completeness, accuracy, and compliance, and the creation of a consolidated organizational budget. 

b) In conjunction with the Associate Vice President, function as an advisor to department managers in formulating their budget submissions.

c) Review proposed budget submissions from department managers for accuracy and completeness.

d) Assists in the preparation of regular and special budget reports, including annual tracking of financial resources assigned to strategic initiatives and driven by evidence-based data that emerged from institutional assessment efforts.

2) Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Reporting and Analysis:

a) Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual budget activity reports and meet with budget managers, including the staff of the institutional advancement department, and the America’s National Churchill Museum (“ANCM”) as well as senior leadership of the department and throughout Westminster College (“College”) to review accounts and budget matters.

b) Compare actual to budgeted results at the end of each reporting period; identify, document thoroughly and report on significant variances. 

c) Assist the Business Office staff and others as required in the preparation of the monthly and quarterly reports for senior leadership.

d) Provide additional support for all activities and correspondence associated with the committees of the College’s Board of Trustees that the Senior Vice President supports, including the preparation of the committee meeting minutes for the Board of Trustee’s committee meetings.

3) Technical Assistance with Cost and Cost-Benefit Analysis:

a) Perform general ledger and other reporting account analysis as requested.

b) Assist in providing requested accounting and financial information to the campus community through research, analysis and reporting of data, and in the preparation of high-quality presentations that effectively communicates analysis results.

c) Assist in the quarterly, semi-annual, and annual updates of the five-year financial and capital plan and related projections, including estimating future liquidity needs. 

4) Insurance:

a) Assist in the oversight of insurance contracts, organizes, and reviews documentation, timetables for maintaining insurance-related processes and procedures. 

b) Works closely with the department staff accountant with the daily management of insurance claims and project completion on these claims. 

c) In conjunction with Human Resources, assists in the preparation of materials for the annual 403B Plan audit and other reporting and analysis functions.

5) Procurement Assistance:

a) Assist Procurement Manager with preparing strategic purchasing plan including preparing purchasing trend analysis.

b) Provide training and clarification of purchasing policy to department managers and their staff.

c) Assist with competitive bid process, negotiating contracts, and contract language review.

d) Assist with researching and identifying prospective vendors.

6) Departmental Assistance, Support and Professional Development:

a) Provide support assistance as needed to other support staff positions in the Business Office and at times, other departments. 

b) With the support of the College, the individual is expected to stay current on professional development initiatives for this function and related matters.

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or business administration with an accounting concentration required. Progress towards or strong interest in pursuing a CPA and/or a CFA or MBA is highly desirable. 

Experience: A minimum of two-three years of experience in accounting, financial and budget analysis, reporting and related functions. Experience in a college or non-for-profit environment is preferred, however, not required. 

Skills: Exceptional analytical skills, strong computational or mathematical skills. Proficient in WORD, Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, detail oriented, excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to communicate effectively with various levels of personnel, willingness to take on new initiatives, ability to work independently, be self-motivated, ability to prioritize workload, use of computerized accounting and budgeting system. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in an “energizing and high paced” team environment focused on institutional problem-solving and advancement. 

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

Westminster College encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid, and employment. The College is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The College does not discriminate in access to, treatment of, or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, veteran status, marital status, disability, or genetic information.

Inquiries about compliance with this prohibition should be directed to:

Associate Vice President & Chief HR Officer/Title IX Coordinator

501 Westminster Ave, Washington West, 2nd floor

Fulton, MO 65251

HR@Westminster-mo.edu

573-592-5226