Financial Analyst

Financial Analyst

Department: Finance Reports to: Chief Financial Officer Status: Full-time, Exempt Location: Louisville, KY (hybrid - 4 days on campus, 1 day remote)

About Spalding University

Spalding University is a small, mission-driven nonprofit institution in Louisville, Kentucky, committed to fostering compassion, integrity, and service in our students and community. We are building a modern finance function from the ground up-and looking for someone who wants to help design it, not just run it.

Position Summary

This is not a typical Financial Analyst role.

You won't be plugging into an established system or running reports someone else built. You'll report directly to the CFO and play a hands-on role in creating Spalding's financial planning and analysis infrastructure from scratch. You'll help design the forecasting tools, build the reporting frameworks, automate manual processes, and shape how financial information flows across the institution.

This role sits at the intersection of finance and technology. You'll partner closely with IT, Accounting, Payroll, and HR to streamline operations and drive efficiency across administrative functions. If you're looking for a role where you can see your work matter, grow faster than a traditional career path allows, and learn directly from senior leadership, this is it.

What You'll Do

Drive Process Automation & Cross-Functional Technology Initiatives (35%)
• Partner with the CFO to identify, design, and implement automated solutions for repetitive financial and administrative processes
• Collaborate with IT to evaluate, implement, and optimize financial systems, reporting tools, and integrations
• Build automated workflows, reports, and data pipelines that reduce manual effort and improve accuracy
• Work closely with Accounting, Payroll, and HR to streamline shared processes, improve data flow between systems, and resolve operational issues
• Lead or support system implementation projects that touch the finance function
• Document automated processes and train team members across departments on new tools and workflows

Own Financial Reporting & Analysis (40%)
• Develop and distribute monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
• Build and maintain automated reports using Syntellis and other reporting tools
• Analyze budget-to-actual variances and translate findings into clear recommendations
• Support monthly close activities with variance analysis and trend identification

Strategic Planning & CFO Support (20%)
• Partner with the CFO to implement scalable forecasting models and analytical tools
• Help establish processes and templates that will become institutional standards
• Prepare materials for board presentations, cabinet meetings, and strategic planning sessions
• Take on ad hoc projects that directly influence university decision-making
• Other projects and responsibilities as assigned by the CFO

What Makes This Role Different
• Direct access to the CFO. You won't be buried three layers down. You'll work side-by-side with the person making financial decisions and learn how a university finance function operates at the strategic level.
• You're building, not maintaining. Most analyst roles hand you a playbook. Here, you'll help write it. The systems you create will shape how Spalding manages its finances for years to come.
• Technology-forward mindset. You'll have a seat at the table representing Finance on IT initiatives and drive automation across the organization.
• True cross-functional exposure. You'll work closely with Accounting, Payroll, HR, and IT, giving you visibility into how an entire university operates, not just one silo.
• Growth trajectory. This role is designed to stretch you. If you want a career in FP&A, higher ed finance, finance technology, or CFO-track leadership, this is the kind of foundation that accelerates that path.

Required
• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, information systems, or a related field
• 2-5 years of experience in a finance, accounting, or analytical role
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, XLOOKUP, complex formulas, data visualization, macros)
• Demonstrated interest in process improvement, automation, and technology
• Ability to work cross-functionally and build productive relationships across departments
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Clear written and verbal communication skills

Preferred
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit environments
• Experience building reports in Syntellis Axiom or similar enterprise performance management (EPM) platforms
• Familiarity with ERP systems, HRIS, or financial reporting platforms
• Exposure to budgeting, forecasting, or FP&A work
• Experience with automation tools such as Power Query, Power Automate, SQL, Python, or similar
• Experience serving on cross-functional committees or project teams

What We Offer
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Tuition remission for employees
• Flexible hybrid schedule with one remote day per week
• Meaningful work in a mission-driven environment
• A rare opportunity to build something from the ground up with direct mentorship from senior leadership
CONTACT:
All applications are made through the Paycom Applicant Tracking System
ABOUT SPALDING UNIVERSITY:
Spalding University offers a comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, Spalding matching contribution up to 5% to your 403b/Roth retirement plan, generous Paid Time Off program, Parental Leave, paid holidays, paid life insurance and long-term disability, paid time for volunteering, and more.
Situated in the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentucky's largest city, Spalding University combines a rich social justice history and a commitment to community service as we attract students who desire a high-quality education in a very personalized setting. An engaged faculty serves nearly 2,000 students at the bachelors', master's and doctoral levels, providing real-world learning in liberal and professional studies.
Faculty, staff and students are united by the institutional mission: Spalding University is a diverse community of learners dedicated to meeting the needs of the times in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth through quality undergraduate and graduate liberal and professional studies, grounded in spiritual values, with an emphasis on service and the promotion of peace and justice.
With a focus on service and leadership, Spalding offers all students a mission-driven connection to community and comprehensive learning resources while striking a distinctive balance serving the educational needs of both the traditional student and the working student. In addition, our unique 8-week class delivery format affords students scheduling flexibility amidst other life responsibilities.
Spalding aspires to become the first choice for students of compassion and service. Celebrated for a rigorous yet nurturing environment, emulated for interdisciplinary collaborations, and acclaimed for contributions to the community.

Spalding University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University complies with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws. It is the University's policy not to discriminate against any individual or group of individuals and to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, veteran status or other protected status. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.