Senior Financial Analyst

🔍 Office of the General Counsel, Stanford, California, United States

📁: Finance

📅   : Sep 22, 2025 Post Date

📅   : 107324 Requisition #

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) at Stanford University has an immediate opening for a Sr. Financial Analyst reporting to the Chief Operating Officer. The position is responsible for managing the annual accounting cycle of a $40 million consolidated budget and the development, implementation, and management of financial systems and processes that support OGC. This role will be instrumental in the strategic transformation of the legal operations team within OGC. It involves identifying and implementing best-in-class operational processes, cutting-edge technology solutions, and strategic partnerships that can establish a new precedent for efficiency and effectiveness within the department. This position calls for a dynamic, data-driven, process-oriented individual who is eager to partner with professionals across the organization and deliver measurable ROI.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

Performing highly analytical, complex finance functions; budgeting and forecasting scenarios; reconciliations and related analysis; short-range and long-range planning and analysis; performing root cause analysis, drawing conclusions, and proposing solutions.
Completing annual accounting cycle tasks for annual budgeting, year-end close, and mid-year and year-end variance analysis.
Analyzing budget variances, setting client retainer amounts, preparing quarterly client reports and other ad hoc reports.
Lead monthly and quarterly reporting process, including report generation and financial analysis of trends and variances vs. projections and prior periods.
Preparing OGC annual budget letter, budget book submission, and supporting materials.
Negotiating rates and business arrangements with law firms and outside vendors; initiating setup of new matters; reviewing and processing invoices; and tracking significant costs and expenses.
Ensuring successful invoice processing, posting and reconciliations, wire transfers, deposits, settlement checks, charge-outs, and iJournals.
Compiling information from various systems to create case summary reports for the Board of Trustees, client pipeline meetings, Risk Management and insurance providers, and similar.
Identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy in OGC finance operations.
Synthesizing data to track and report on university legal trends.
Prioritize, identify, and resolve strategic and department issues; recognize exceptions, recommend and develop resolutions and implement solutions. Ensure effective and efficient delivery and integration of all financial services in the area of responsibility.
Negotiating engagement letters and business associate agreements and responding to requests for conflict waivers.
Engage in continuous critical analysis of existing systems and processes; make recommendations to achieve greater efficiencies and improve internal controls. Define requirements, develop and implement complex test cases, perform testing and analyze results.
Assisting with the onboarding of new employees, especially by training on financial systems and processes and key facilities matters.
Other duties, responsibilities and special projects as needed (e.g., assisting with annual OGC retreat, client survey, etc.)
Lead and support unit and organization strategy and change management initiatives.

Bachelor’s degree and eight years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience; MBA preferred.
Experience with Stanford's internal systems is preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

Advanced communication skills, including the ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, clients, and all levels of management.
Strong accounting skills including knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Advanced proficiency in business applications, such as Oracle Applications, Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel.
Advanced knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning and financial systems; internet and computer literacy.
Advanced professional communication skills, including ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and management.
Strong project management skills and ability to contribute to or lead part of a multi-functional team.
Ability to produce professional, client-ready reports and letters to internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to manage large datasets and perform data manipulation for reporting purposes.
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks, manage workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in all aspects of OGC’s finance operations, including but not limited to data entry, document management, invoice processing, and account reconciliation.
Expert proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel.

The expected pay range for this position is $180,996 - $209,412 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the university will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.

Additional Information