Financial Management Analyst III

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Occupational Summary

Provide financial leadership for the Natural Sciences Division of the College of Arts & Sciences. Plan, develop, and coordinate financial analyses and reporting in support of divisional operations and priorities, with emphasis on research-intensive departments and centers. Responsibilities include management of operational and capital budgets, service center oversight, faculty start-up funds, cost analyses, and other reporting. Serve as the primary financial contact for the Divisional Dean of Natural Sciences and ensure compliance with University and sponsor requirements.

Work Performed

Financial Planning & Management

• Lead financial planning and budget development for the Natural Sciences Division, including operational, capital, and research-related portfolios.
• Manage and monitor faculty research commitments, start-up packages, and memoranda of understanding (MOUs); maintain divisional commitment database, process related transactions, and provide reporting on balances.
• Partner with department chairs, directors, and business managers to prepare budgets, monitor expenditures, and develop long- and short-term financial plans aligned with divisional priorities.
• Provide guidance on resource allocation, including faculty hiring, equipment needs, and large-scale scientific initiatives.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Reconcile and analyze divisional accounts monthly, including operating, allocated, endowment/gift, and sponsored funds.
• Lead month and year-end closing, financial forecasting, and variance analysis; prepare financial reports and presentations for leadership.
• Develop and maintain forecasting models to assess long-term sustainability of divisional resources.
• Serve as subject matter expert for Natural Sciences on complex fund restrictions, donor/sponsor compliance, and internal controls.

Business Operations & Compliance

• Oversee divisional purchasing, travel, and expense management processes; approve high-level financial transactions.
• Supervise reconciliation, overdraft management, and ensure sponsored project compliance.
• Maintain and update divisional financial SOPs; provide training to faculty, staff, students, and visiting scholars on financial systems (e.g., SAP, Concur, iForms).

Service Centers Oversight

• Provide financial oversight of divisional service centers, including review and analysis of proposed annual rates.
• Ensure rates comply with University and federal cost principles (OMB Uniform Guidance).
• Monitor service center financial performance and recommend adjustments to maintain sustainability and compliance.
• Support department business managers in establishing new service centers, revising rate structures, and maintaining accurate fund code assignments.

Other Duties

• Participate in special projects and ad-hoc initiatives as assigned by the Director of Finance.
• Provide backup support for other Trinity Finance staff.

Expected Pay Range

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $74,251.00 to USD $139,220.  Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your pay check.  Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/ or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related field. CPA preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of six years of progressively responsible financial management or cost accounting experience, preferably in higher education or research-intensive environments.

• OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
• Skills: Strong analytical and financial modeling skills; ability to manage complex budgets and commitments; demonstrated knowledge of compliance requirements for service centers and sponsored research.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.