Financial Analyst

Florida International University is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 340,000. Located in the global city of Miami, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields and include National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars and Mac Arthur Genius Fellows.

A Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health and technology and innovation. Home to the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment, FIU stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. With a focus on student success, economic mobility and community engagement, FIU is redefining what it means to be a public research university.

The Financial Analyst II provides advanced financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analytical support for the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom. This position works closely with the Director of Administration and Center leadership to ensure sound financial management of operating budgets, sponsored research awards, foundation grants, donor funds, events, and special initiatives. The incumbent interprets and applies University, State, Federal, and sponsor regulations while providing financial guidance that supports strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, and compliance across the Center.

• Works closely with the Director of Administration to develop, monitor, analyze, and report on the Center's annual operating budget, foundation funds, and special project accounts.
• Performs advanced financial analysis and prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual budget reports, identifying trends, variances, spending projections, and financial risks.
• Monitors budget expenditures across multiple funding sources, including E&G, auxiliary, foundation, donor-restricted funds, and discretionary accounts to ensure fiscal integrity.
• Develops financial forecasts and long-range budget projections to support strategic planning and operational decision-making for the Center.
• Conducts budget variance analyses and recommends corrective actions to maximize available funding while maintaining compliance with University policies.
• Assists in the financial administration of externally funded grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements by monitoring expenditures, preparing financial projections, and ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines.
• Reviews and analyzes payroll expenditures, personnel budgets, faculty appointments, temporary staffing costs, fringe benefit allocations, and labor distributions to ensure accurate financial planning.
• Coordinates financial planning for Center conferences, executive education programs, seminars, international programs, donor events, and other major initiatives by developing event budgets, monitoring expenditures, and analyzing financial outcomes.
• Provides financial guidance and technical assistance to faculty, staff, and program managers regarding budgeting, purchasing, travel, procurement, financial transactions, and allowable expenditures under University regulations.
• Reviews, reconciles, and validates financial transactions, procurement activities, journal entries, expense reports, purchasing card transactions, and departmental accounts to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Develops and maintains financial models used to evaluate new initiatives, strategic investments, revenue-generating programs, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Performs return-on-investment (ROI), cost-benefit, and financial feasibility analyses for new programs, events, partnerships, and Center initiatives.
• Analyzes large financial datasets using University financial systems and reporting tools to identify trends, improve forecasting accuracy, and support data-driven decision making.
• Interprets University, State, Federal, and sponsor regulations and ensures departmental financial practices comply with applicable policies, procedures, and audit requirements.
• Assists with the preparation of annual financial plans, budget reallocations, year-end closing activities, and fiscal year budget reconciliation.
• Develops ad hoc financial reports and performs special financial studies requested by Center leadership to support executive decision-making.
• Identifies opportunities to improve financial processes, internal controls, reporting…