Financial Analyst I

USC’s School of Cinematic Arts is seeking a Financial Analyst to join its Business Office.  The School of Cinematic Arts is in the heart of Los Angeles, considered the entertainment capital of the world, and is one of the leading media schools in the world. Founded in collaboration with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1929 over 85 years ago, the USC School of Cinematic Arts has fueled and mirrored the growth of entertainment as an industry and an art form.  As a member of the team, the Financial Analyst plays a key role in the continued success of the school.

The responsibilities for the position include providing administrative and budget support for the SCA Business Office. These support functions include but are not limited to:

• Analyzes overall departmental spending versus budget. On a monthly basis, reconciles account balances and activity to university financial system, researching and bringing budget variances to the attention of the supervisor for discussion and resolution.
• Trains and responds to inquiries from faculty, staff, and students regarding financial policies, processes and procedures.
• Reviews financial transactions to ensure compliance with university policies.
• Prepares financial reports to be distributed to stakeholders.
• Maintains office supplies and queries office staff to determine the need to replenish.
• Assists in the set-up, maintenance and monitoring of department accounts. Assigns account numbers for routine business transactions.
• Prepares, processes and/or reviews paperwork, e.g., Payment Vouchers, requisitions and other budget and business forms. Inputs stipends into the University’s Student Information System. Prepares and processes reimbursements for students and special vendors. Train and assist with the issuance of Controlled Value Cards to select students.
• Performs regular or ad hoc financial reporting and analysis. Extracts and evaluates data, including support for tuition reconciliation and projections and annual budget planning. Organizes and summarizes into meaningful formats. May perform consolidated budget and financial reporting for multiple business units.
• Evaluates and analyzes financial and operating reports and data, including tuition revenue, gifts, contracts and grants, and other key revenue streams. Develops conclusions and recommendations and communicates orally or in writing to management.
• Inputs financial data to ledgers or departmental accounting systems. Reconciles internal records to university financial system reports. Researches problems and corrects errors or brings to the attention of the supervisor for further consideration.
• Deposits non-gift income to appropriate accounts. Processes cash and credit card receipts.
• Monitors and/or controls expenditures for intercampus and external vendors. Reconciles vendor statements and pays invoices. Interfaces with purchasing, external vendors and accounts payable to verify prices and resolve discrepancies.
• Interacts with university financial offices to exchange information and resolve problems.

This is a hybrid role with a mix of in-office and remote work. During peak periods, additional in-office presence may be required.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 1 year
Minimum Field of Expertise: Business administration, accounting or related degree and budget experience including knowledge of government and fund accounting. Strong computer skills with use of automated spreadsheets.
 

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and/or 3 or more years of relevant work experience

University budget experience and knowledge of university financial systems

Strong computer skills including Excel spreadsheets

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Team oriented, self-motivated, strong work ethic with the ability to meet deadlines and interact with all levels of management

Workday, Jaggaer Marketplace and Concur experience preferred.

Knowledge of university purchasing/financial policies and procedures.

The hourly range for this position is $37-$40.09. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Minimum Experience: 1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Business education or closely related field. Experience in financial analysis and reporting with knowledge of computer simulation and forecasting techniques.

Salary : $37 - $40