Department

BSD GPA - Administration

About the Department

The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs (OGPA) within the Biological Sciences Division (BSD) coordinates the administrative efforts of graduate and postdoctoral training in the BSD. OGPA works to facilitate consistency among the programs and departments; identifies and develops commonalities in the areas of financial administration, policy development and implementation, and in the coordination of information sharing among the programs and departments. The goal of OGPA is to recruit high-quality domestic and international trainees, to facilitate their progress during their tenure, and to provide guidance and resources for the management of the training programs in the division. OGPA centrally manages the annual financial aid budget so that all graduate students in the programs are supported equitably and coordinates consistency among the training programs as it relates to training grants submission and oversight.

Job Summary

The job coordinates projects in monitoring the operating and capital budgets for divisions and/or University-wide administrative units. At the instruction of others, performs work that contributes to development of long and short term financial goals, business strategies/plans, and financial forecasts/models for major service programs and initiatives. Utilizes moderate knowledge of finance to help coordinate quarterly and year-end reporting for the operating budget.

Responsibilities

Develop meaningful, easy-to-understand financial reports for the BSD graduate programs.

Conduct quarterly financial analysis and monthly forecasts/projections, creating custom metrics to enhance financial oversight.

Lead quarterly financial reviews with leadership, presenting actuals vs. budget and prior-year performance.

Partner with training grant PIs and administrators on pre- and post-award management.

Ensure financial integrity by identifying and processing journal entries, cost corrections, and payroll transfers, as needed.

Streamline and automate reporting to increase efficiency and accuracy.

Partner with the Director of Financial Affairs to complete monthly forecasts and the annual operating budget.

Support the creation of executive-level presentations by analyzing data and distilling key insights into clear, concise formats.

Generates reports on expenditures, funding trends, and student support metrics.

Serve as the primary account administrator, delivering professional support in an intensive customer service environment.

Analyze and prepare budgets, create accounts, and manage financial allocations, authorizations, and expense monitoring within the accounting system.

Prepares monthly reports, reconciles accounts, and resolves using existing procedures, and advises on the financial implications of human resources and student affairs decisions.

Collaborate with administrators on procurement processes, allocate expenditures for approval, and assist in communications with funding agencies, subcontractors, and others as directed.

Provides professional support as a primary account administrator for account owners in an intensive customer service environment.

May work with other administrators on the procurement process, allocates expenditures for authorization, and advises in communications regarding funding agencies, subcontractors, and others at the instruction and direction of others.

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or economics.

Experience:

Minimum of 3 years of related experience and/or training.

Experience working in an academic environment or biomedical field.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Advanced skills with the Microsoft Suite, especially Excel.

Knowledge of Oracle finance.

Preferred Competencies

Advanced skills with the Microsoft Suite, especially Excel.

Knowledge of Oracle is strongly preferred.

Experience developing data visualizations and dashboards in PowerBI or Tableau.

Ability to work under pressure, manage competing deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to summarize detailed issues in a concise and structured manner.

Ability to comprehend and interpret various financial concepts and principles.

Ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.

Ability to understand and carry out instructions and solve problems in complex situations.

Ability to respond to communications from customers in a timely manner.

Excellent customer/staff interpersonal skills.

Ability to work independently and with a team.

Working Conditions

Hybrid office environment.

This role requires regular onsite presence to foster collaboration, engagement, and operational effectiveness, with specific in-office expectations outlined by the department.

Application Documents

Resume (required)

Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$60,000.00 - $90,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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