Senior Financial Analyst

Department Provost URA: Billing & Collections About the Department University Research Administration (URA) has the responsibility to review and provide institutional endorsement for all proposals to federal and other external sponsors (excluding gifts), assuring compliance with University policies and sponsor terms and conditions. URA is the institutional authority for the negotiation and acceptance of financial support or other contractually binding obligations in the form of a contract, grant, or agreement, including material transfer agreements and clinical trials. Job Summary Reporting to the Associate Director Billing and Collections, the Senior Financial Analyst is a senior-level independent contributor. This role is responsible for providing strategic oversight and subject matter expertise across all billing, collections, cash management, and financial compliance activities associated with sponsored research awards at the University of Chicago. As a senior resource within University Research Administration, the Senior Financial Analyst ensures accurate and timely invoicing, collections, cash applications, and financial reporting while maintaining strict compliance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies. The incumbent independently manages complex sponsored funding portfolios, leads process improvement initiatives, develops operational strategies, and serves as a key liaison among faculty, department administrators, central finance offices, sponsors, and external agencies. The position exercises significant judgment and decision-making authority in resolving complex financial issues, interpreting sponsor payment terms, and implementing best practices to enhance organizational effectiveness. Serving as the senior operational expert for sponsored billing and collections activities, this position is responsible for identifying opportunities to improve financial performance, operational efficiency, compliance, and customer service across the sponsored research enterprise. This role requires advanced expertise in sponsored research administration, financial management, federal regulations (including Uniform Guidance), and institutional accounting practices. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership, analytical, and communication skills while fostering collaboration and continuous improvement across the research administration enterprise. Requires in-depth knowledge and experience. Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external University issues to improve products or services. Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective using existing solutions. Works independently, receives minimal guidance. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience. Responsibilities Strategic Oversight • Serve as the institutional subject matter expert for sponsored project billing, collections, cash management, and revenue recognition activities. • Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of billing and collections policies, and controls including procedures and operational standards. • Establish priorities and strategies to ensure timely invoices, collections, and cash application across a large and complex sponsored project portfolio. • Evaluate financial risks, identify systemic issues, and assist the Director in developing corrective action plans to mitigate institutional exposure. • Recognize problematic practices and recommend process enhancements to improve efficiency, compliance, and customer service. Sponsored Billing and Collections Management • Direct complex billing and collection activities for federal, state, foundation, industry, and other sponsored funding sources. • Ability and understanding to oversee and support invoicing, letter of credit draws, milestone-based payments, installment agreements, and financial closeout activities. • Review and interpret sponsor agreements and payment terms to ensure accurate billing and revenue collection. • Resolve escalated billing disputes, collection issues, payment discrepancies, and sponsor inquiries. • Provide guidance regarding receivable management and collection strategies for delinquent accounts. • Works independently to manage the general ledger and create financial statements, regulatory reports, and management reports. Compliance and Regulatory Expertise • Interpret and apply Uniform Guidance, GAAP, sponsor regulations, and institutional policies to complex financial situations. • Ensure compliance with sponsor-specific billing requirements and federal financial reporting regulations. • Identify compliance risks and implement internal controls to strengthen financial stewardship. • Partner with internal and external auditors and provide documentation and analysis related to sponsored billing activities. Data Analysis and Operational Excellence • Lead advanced financial analyses utilizing Oracle, AURA, Business Objects, Orbit, LOC Draw sheets, PMS, Research.gov, and related systems. • Assist the Director to help maintain dashboards, reports, and performance metrics to support leadership decision-making. • Identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for process optimization through data analysis. • Collaborate with the team to enhance reporting capabilities and improve data integrity. Leadership, Training and Mentorship • Provide guidance, mentorship, and technical leadership to billing and collections staff. • Serve as a senior advisor to URA leadership regarding sponsored billing, collections, cash management, and financial compliance matters. • Assist the Director in developing training materials and lead educational initiatives related to sponsored billing and collections processes. • Promote knowledge sharing and best practices across the organization. • Assist leadership with workload planning, operational assessments, and implementation of departmental goals. • Uses in-depth knowledge and experience to perform a vari