Assistant Budget Analyst, Academic Budgets and Resources

About the position Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks an Assistant Budget Analyst, Academic Budgets and Resources to join Academic Affairs. Reporting to the Director, the Assistant Budget Analyst provides a variety of highly detailed and complex monitoring and operational support to the office of Academic Budgets, Planning, Analysis, and Strategy, and serves as a key liaison within Academic Administration. Regularly interacts with faculty and other internal constituencies, such as Payroll, HR, and various academic departments on campus, to respond effectively to enquiries and ensure consistent and accurate workflows. Attention to detail and the ability to comprehend, interpret, and identify errors or inconsistencies in data are central to the success of this role. Must maintain a high level of confidentiality and aplomb, and have the ability to comprehend, interpret, and uphold institutional policies and procedures. The successful candidate will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Support the smooth functioning of Academic Administration, Budgets, Resources, and Operations with cyclical tasks, including but not limited to generating ad-hoc reports and updating files / systems.
• Support the administration of faculty research and professional development grant programs.
• With a deep understanding of compliance regulations, award restrictions, requirements, budgets, and RISD policies, launch and archive award cycles, review and process expense reports, purchase requests, and contractor hiring.
• Document, track, and report on fund balances.
• Respond to faculty inquiries related to grant expenses, timelines, and policies.
• Create, maintain, and regularly audit faculty salary tables in collaboration with Academic Administration staff and reconcile against budget resources.
• Identify inconsistencies, research, and suggest solutions to the Director.
• Support development of annual operating budget; update documents, monitor deadlines, and communicate with divisions as needed and with input from the Director.
• Anticipates spending based on previous budget cycles and delineates a framework to aid departments in proposing budgets.
• Support development and tracking of capital project spending, including facilities and equipment, and engage various departments in consistent communication and advance planning.
• Monitor and update systems that drive budget allocations, including teaching units, enrollment, and student employment.
• Payroll reconciliation against contracts and budget.
• Highlight areas of concern.
• Ensure compliance with the college’s operating and capital budget policies.
• Serve as a point of contact with other Academic Affairs and Student Life offices to respond to budget inquiries.
• Maintain an understanding of all academic funds, restrictions, and usage plans; respond to inquiries and monitor activity.
• Verification of payroll entries.
• Perform other support-related duties as assigned
• Provide support or work collaboratively at college-wide events as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and three years experience in an administrative role, preferably in a higher education setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with basic accounting principles, budget monitoring and tracking, and an understanding of the budgeting process strongly preferred.
• Ability to interpret and prioritize requests for information and follow up, redirect, or escalate as needed.
• Requires aplomb and the ability to act in the best interest of the College.
• High level of functionality in using Microsoft Office and Google Suite, with demonstrated experience with Excel and Google Sheets.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-impact, deadline-oriented environment where a high degree of professionalism, confidentiality, initiative, attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously is required.
• Ability to proofread documents and attention to detail required.
• An aptitude for and interest in learning/utilizing new technologies.
• A positive attitude and the ability to relate well to various populations, and to help foster a community environment.

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