Sr. Financial Analyst

Reporting to the Director of Financial Operations, we are seeking a Sr. Financial Analyst who will be responsible for the financial management of assigned units and supports the school’s operating budget, quarterly financial reporting, and overall financial processes. The role also contributes to broader budgeting, planning, and financial analysis efforts, and provides project management support for strategic initiatives.

The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University advances a dynamic, 21st-century model of performing arts training in pursuit of its mission: to elevate the human experience through leadership at the intersection of art and education. Through its Conservatory for undergraduate and graduate studies and the Preparatory, Baltimore’s largest community performing arts school, Peabody empowers musicians and dancers from diverse backgrounds to create and perform at the highest level.

Under the direction of the Director of Financial Operations, and in close collaboration with the Associate Dean for Finance and Operations and the department heads for assigned units, this position is responsible for the following:

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Budget Preparation & Monitoring

Prepare annual operating budgets for assigned units.

Recommend budget adjustments and identify cost-saving or efficiency opportunities.

Review budget-to-actual performance and investigate variances.

Prepare quarterly financial projections.

Compile data files, departmental summaries, and executive-level presentations using SAP, Microsoft Office, and other tools.

Support development of the school-wide operating budget.

Analyze and review budget submissions and prepare materials for budget meetings with the Dean and Associate Dean for Finance and Administration; ensure follow-up and submission accuracy.

Financial Administration & Support

Manage and oversee all financial activity for assigned units, including discretionary, gift, sponsored, revenue, and faculty funds.

Monitor financial performance and maintain profit and loss reports; regularly analyze operating results.

Prepare and present summary-level operational and financial results to department heads and senior leadership.

Interpret financial data to assess trends and support future projections.

Conduct complex financial, statistical, and cost analyses using data from university systems.

Review and approve financial transactions, including purchases, payroll, effort certifications, and travel reimbursements.

Serve as the primary financial liaison for assigned units, providing guidance on all financial matters.

Conduct or review account reconciliations.

Strategic Planning & Leadership Support

Develop financial reports to support forecasting, trend analysis, and performance evaluation.

Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.

Contribute to the development of the school’s five-year strategic financial plan.

Perform financial modeling and cost analyses to evaluate business scenarios.

Prepare ad hoc financial reports and analyses for leadership.

Deliver training and guidance on JHU and Peabody Institute financial policies.

Collaborate with leadership to develop materials for school-wide financial presentations.

Scope of Responsibility

Department Operating Plan oversight.

Compliance with University and school financial policies.

Financial analysis and reporting for assigned units.

Special projects.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong understanding of accounting principles and budget preparation.

Demonstrated analytical skills for interpreting financial and organizational data.

Experience conducting quantitative financial analyses and developing policies to ensure accountability and compliance.

Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to changing priorities.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and stakeholder engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related field.

Five years progressively responsible related financial/accounting experience.

Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond HS Diploma/Graduation Equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced Degree in business or related field.

MBA, CPA, or MS preferred.

Advanced skills in Excel; intermediate skills in Access and Power BI or Tableau.

Strong knowledge of SAP and experience in higher education or non-profit environment.

Classified Title: Sr. Financial Analyst

Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PD

Starting Salary Range: $62,900 - $110,100 Annually ($86,500 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)

Employee group: Full Time

Schedule: 37.5 hours per week

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Remote

Department name: Business Office

Personnel area: Peabody