Financial Analyst - Digital Learning at UT - UTK

Digital Learning at the University of Tennessee is charged with advancing UT’s commitment to discovery, creativity, learning and engagement, specifically for online learners. Using advanced and innovative technologies, Digital Learning provides scalable solutions that enhance the online learning experience and reduce barriers to student access and success, providing a tremendous impact to online learners across the state and the nation. At Digital Learning, we want to be bold and impactful, transforming the future of online education through innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving.

In this new role, the Financial Analyst will perform a variety of financial duties that require professional knowledge and the application of analytical skills and judgment. Work is performed with limited supervision and is guided by established objectives, policies, and professional standards. This role will provide accounting and analytical support for financial, budgeting, planning and reporting activities for Digital Learning. The primary responsibilities include budget development and implementation, continuous monitoring of budget versus actuals, variance analysis, financial scenario modeling, monthly managerial reporting and ad hoc analysis and reporting.

Budget Planning & Forecasting

• In collaboration with the Assistant Dean of Finance & Administration, the Financial Analyst participates in the development and implementation of departmental and project budgets and manages budget data entry and accuracy.
• Attends and participates in all budget meetings and manages budget schedule.
• Serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for Digital Learning Oracle EPM and EPM2 budget and planning tools.
• Works with functional leaders to prepare and revise financial forecasts and prepare corresponding status reports to support operational and strategic planning.
• Collaborates with data science team in analyzing historical data trends to support budgeting and forecasting decisions.

Financial Monitoring & Reporting

• Maintains and monitors departmental financial records and accounts for accuracy and completeness.
• Reviews and prepares financial documents and transactions, including journal entries and budget adjustments.
• Identifies financial trends, conducts variance analysis, and prepares detailed projections and accompanying reports.
• Initiates correction of any errors noted through review of financials.
• Keeps management apprised of year end forecast for operating margin, surpluses or deficits and reserve balances.

Policy Compliance & Procedure Support

• Ensures financial activities comply with internal policies, procedures, and relevant government regulations.
• Interprets and applies institutional and sponsor-specific guidelines to financial transactions.
• Supports internal controls and assists in audit preparation by identifying and documenting variances.
• Reviewing, processing and maintaining contract agreements.

Stakeholder Support & Communications

• Provides financial assistance and guidance to internal contacts, including faculty, staff, and departmental administrators.
• Communicates clearly and effectively when interpreting data or explaining financial policies.
• Prepares semesterly college reports on Digital Learning activity.

Professional Growth & Process Improvement

• Participates in training and professional development opportunities related to financial systems and regulations.
• Contributes to the development and refinement of financial procedures and tools.
• Seeks guidance when needed and escalates complex or unfamiliar situations appropriately.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or other closely related field
• Experience:
  • 3 to 5 years of professional finance or accounting experience to include 3 years’ experience with financial analysis, budgeting, and modeling
  • Experience with Microsoft Excel, databases, report writing software and ERP systems
  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.
  • Higher education experience
  • Experience with Oracle
  • Experience with Microsoft Power BI report-building.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or other closely related field
• Experience:

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN

Compensation and Benefits

• Hiring Range:
• UT market range: MR 13
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

• For full consideration, applicants must attach a letter of interest, resume, and the name, address, email, and phone number of three professional references, in addition to completing the applicant file to the Human Resources online application system, Taleo. This position does have the potential for a hybrid working capacity.
• Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. DL_UT

About The College/Department/Division

Digital Learning at UT, is a unit charged with advancing UT’s commitment to discovery, creativity, learning, and engagement, specifically for online learners. Using advanced and innovative technologies, Digital Learning at UT will provide scalable solutions that enhance the online learning experience and reduce barriers to student access and success, providing a tremendous impact to online learners across the state and the nation. At Digital Learning, we want to be bold and impactful, transforming the future of online education through innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Join our dynamic and inclusive Digital Learning team where we take pride in teamwork, excellence, and a shared commitment to shaping the future through education and innovation.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!