Job Details

University of Colorado System Administration

Principal Financial Analyst

Position Number: 7223070
Location: Denver, CO
Position Type: Business - Finance

Principal Financial Analyst

Principal Financial Analyst - 40162 University Staff

Description
Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education!

At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose.

By joining our team, you'll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado's system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU's campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities.

We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you're passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. Learn more about CU System Administration.

Position Summary:

University Information Systems (UIS) provides technical services and enterprise applications to the University of Colorado's (CU) four campuses and the Office of the President. UIS is committed to excellence in customer service, technical expertise, and the development of enterprise applications responsible for supporting CU's students, faculty, human resources employees, finance employees, and others.

The Principal Financial Analyst supports UIS by providing financial and operational support to all members of the department. This position is responsible for working with the Assistant Director of Business Services to manage IT Governance projects and other project finances which includes but is not limited to generating budget reports, providing data analysis, carrying out monthly close responsibilities, and preparing and delivering budget presentations. This position works independently and must have a thorough understanding of the department, its budgets, and various CU and UIS policies, procedures, and guidelines to be successful. The Principal Financial Analyst is expected to build high-trust and collaborative relationships with business partners, key stakeholders, and take initiative to identify and resolve financial and procurement challenges.

The Principal Financial Analyst reports to the Assistant Director of Business Services and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff System.

Where You Will Work:

Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment with University of Colorado System Administration.

This role is eligible to work remotely within Colorado and is eligible for a hybrid schedule, working some days from home and some days in the office at 1800 Grant St, Denver, CO.

Please note, leadership may adjust in-office work requirements with a minimum of three months' notice before any change can be implemented.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Financial & Budget Management & Analysis

Provide fiscal and operational support to UIS, which includes purchasing, accounting, and overall financial management
Generate custom and standardized financial reports and utilize information to:
Track and monitor consultant progress on projects
Reconcile financial transactions and balances to check accuracy
Ensure all financial transactions are recorded accurately, timely, and according to UIS and CU policies at monthly close; make correcting journal entries when needed
Forward monthly financial data to UIS managers, directors, and leadership; work with managers, directors, and leadership to identify shortfalls, issues, and resolve discrepancies
Consult and collaborate with budget managers to provide fiscal forecasting and modeling to ensure appropriate and effective budget usage of UIS funding and resources. Information and visualizations are delivered to UIS and System Leadership for use in strategic budgetary and operational decision making.
Assist and/or lead in managing the budgets and forecast modeling and report-outs for all UIS-related IT Governance projects. This includes regular meetings with campus financial analyst partners to understand and/or communicate updates on the budget components of these large-spend projects.
Work in conjunction with the Assistant Director to develop, prepare, submit, monitor, and close out approximately $55 million in UIS budgets based on long-term department objectives
Works with team to develop various monthly and annual budget presentations utilizing PowerPoint and Visio tools based on budget and finance initiatives for leadership team
Track licensing and contract renewals; work with UIS managers and ADs to correct issues, ensure processes are followed, and track costs against established budgets
Assists in creating and supporting UIS chargeback models to campuses for target programs. This includes but is not limited to monthly charging, education on invoices, and annual reviews with campus partners and UIS Leadership.

Purchasing, Travel, & Expense Reimbursement Management

Manage and oversee procurement activity for various projects which includes oversight and compliance through the lifecycle of the procurement process
Collects and reviews procurement documents for compliance; identifies issues and works with UIS employees, vendors, and the PSC to resolve Coordinate purchases of goods and services from requisition request through to the invoice payment; utilizes CU Marketplace for purchasing and research purposes to include purchase order (PO) creation, maintenance, and invoice processing
Work with UIS employees to collect documentation for expense reimbursements and submit information using the
Concur Travel & Expense System; reviews documentation for compliance and works with employees to resolve issues; approves deviations from UIS policy as necessary

Operational & Miscellaneous Support

Recommend enhancements and streamline current policies and procedures, including Business Services Service Catalog.
Implement process improvements based on analysis and evaluation of current policies and procedures in comparison to research and/or finance and procurement best practices.
Experience using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solutions in support of customers and business processes
Maintain current knowledge of generative AI technologies and identify practical applications for improving workflows.
Independently explore, evaluate and recommend new AI capabilities to support operational efficiency and innovation.
Serve as a back-up for the Financial Analyst and Assistant Director, as needed
Manage special projects and tasks as assigned

What We Offer:

Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $87,000-$90,000.

CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of the selected candidate's education, training and experience as it relates to the position, as well as the position's scope and complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.

No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.

Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. (This position is a University Staff position)

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Please include all relevant experience in your resume to be accurately assessed against these qualifications. You must meet all minimum requirements at the time of application to be considered for this role.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or equivalent professional experience (professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis)
Four (4) years' professional experience in an operations development, office management, or financial analyst role which includes:
- Developing and analyzing customized and standardized financial reports
- Using enterprise financial software systems to complete budget reconciliations, journal entries, and financial research
  Experience in an outward facing customer service role

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's or post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the field of finance, non-profit management, or other related area.
Six (6) years' professional experience as indicated above.
General understanding of the University of Colorado, including its organizational structure.
Familiarity with University of Colorado systems and procedures including Concur, CU Marketplace, PeopleSoft Applications, or similar databases.
Experience managing a budget(s) and providing financial analyses is highly desired
Experience in finance, non-profit management, or higher education setting is highly desired

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To be successful in this position a candidate will need the following:

Knowledge of the business, financial, organizational structure, and governance at CU
Knowledge of accounting and financial principles, processes, and best practices
Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to examine data and trends to produce results
Ability to prepare and present financial analyses, schedules, and plans to a variety of audiences (e.g., verbal, written, visual, etc.)
Proofreading, grammar, punctuation, and formatting skills, including the ability maintain consistency and be cognizant of and address details
Ability to navigate a complex political environment and to establish and maintain partnerships with a variety of internal and external constituencies
Oral, written, and listening communication skills, including the ability to accurately interpret what others are saying and convey messages, information, concepts, and details accurately and clearly
Customer service skills, including the ability to actively listen, address customer needs, defuse tense situations, and maintain an open, flexible, and friendly demeanor
Interpersonal and collaboration skills, including the ability facilitate interaction, communication, and teamwork between individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ages
Computer skills, including the ability to utilize Microsoft Office programs (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel to create and maintain complex calculations and pivot tables, and provide evaluation
Organizational skills, including the ability to set and meet goals and deadlines, manage appointments, create schedules, coordinate, and facilitate meetings, and make decisions
Ability to learn and experiment with new software and systems
Ability to stay current with emerging AI technologies and assess their potential impact on business processes
Knowledge of AI ethics and data privacy considerations in the workplaceAbility to work under pressure, manage concurrent and competing tasks and responsibilities, and adapt to changing priorities while maintaining personal effectiveness.
Ability to focus on activities that have the greatest impact on meeting work commitments
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and reliable professional judgment, as well as collaboratively with a team to achieve desired results
Ability to maintain a strong work ethic, positive problem-solving attitude, and enthusiasm for the work performed
Ability to self-start and take initiative in completing daily tasks and special projects
Ability to handle and maintain sensitive and confidential material
Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records and record keeping systems

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please attach the following as separate documents to your application:

A cover letter identifying the job specific minimum qualifications you possess and interest in the position.
A resume including all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting.

Please ensure you check the "Job Specific Attachments" box next to each document on the "Required Documents" page of the application for the appropriate documents to be attached.

Per the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, you are not required to provide your date of birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation on your resume or cover letter. If an application requires additional materials, such as a transcript or certification, you may redact identifying information relating to your date or birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation.

When to Apply:

For full consideration completed applications must be submitted by June 22, 2026. Reference checking is a standard step in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact information, including email addresses and phone numbers, for up to five references as part of the search process for this position.

*Please note: All application materials must be submitted through CU Careers; emailed materials will not be considered. *

Sponsorship Statement:

We are unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that a verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

ADA Statement:

We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: systemhr@cu.edu.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Job Category: Finance and Accounting

Primary Location: Denver Department: S0001 -- System Administration - 50119 - University InformationServices

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Date: Jun 8, 2026

Unposting Date: Jun 22, 2026, 11:59:00 PM Posting Contact Name: System HR Recruiting Posting Contact Email: talisha.bell@cu.edu Position Number: 00697158

To apply, visit https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=40162&lang=en