d.school Financial Analyst

The School of Engineering 
Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond. Our faculty and students are creative risk-takers who pursue excellence across a breadth of disciplines. Our alumni include some of the world’s most successful leaders in technology and business. Our staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world’s most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will make the world a better place through the power of engineering principles, techniques and systems. https://engineering.stanford.edu/  

The d.school at Stanford: 
At the Stanford d.school, we believe that every person is creative, that design can help unlock that creativity, and that it should be accessible to all. As a result, over the past 15 years d.school has become an exceptional innovation and collaboration space on campus where students and faculty from across the university come together to address problems and opportunities using design in a human-centered, multi-disciplinary, and creative way. It is a thought leader, content provider, and a beacon for design and innovation in higher education, K12 education, large corporations, small startups, and social impact focused NGOs and public sector entities. 

At Stanford the d.school offers a rapidly-evolving slate of elective courses for students across the university: undergraduate & graduate. In 2022 the d.school became the home of two new degrees (BS Design & MS Design ), which are Interdisciplinary Programs (IDPs). These degrees are already operating, which means that students, faculty, and academic administration is already in full swing. As a result the d.school is going through a significant change process: ramping up our academic operations, revisiting existing programs and priorities, and planning for a fundraising effort to secure long-term economic viability of the degree programs. In addition to its academic program the d.school currently serves external audiences across a variety of sectors, through a range of programs including the University Innovation Fellows , the K12 Lab , Executive Education , Designing Social Systems , and others.

The d.school sits within the Stanford School of Engineering, which has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond. Staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world’s most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will make the world a better place. 

The role:
The d.school seeks a Financial Analyst to join our dynamic finance team. In this integral role, you will work directly with the d. school Finance Director on numerous finance and accounting tasks that are analytical and/or administrative in nature.

You Responsibilities include:

• Perform structured analysis; conduct data mining; identify, clarify, and investigate discrepancies and exceptions; proactively develop solutions and processes.
• Maintain, reconcile, review, combine, and validate financial data sets and accounts, utilizing financial reports, financial databases, and key financial information.
• Contribute to development of budget, forecasting, and analysis to be used for key activities or decision making.
• Run and analyze financial reports, often from multiple systems; assist in preparation of management information reports.
• Resolve issues within the immediate work unit; Perform preliminary analysis, recognize exceptions and recommend solutions that may require policy changes or the development of new processes.
• Ensure works complies with complex internal policies and external regulations which may require interpretation.
• Participate as a member of a project team and contribute to change management strategy through communication and collaboration with others.
• Serve as a first line resource to client groups on matters in work unit.
• Understand and participate in cross training on core functions in work area or unit; serve as a back-up to other functions.
• May supervise the day-to-day activities and provide on the job coaching and training to other staff, as needed.
• *Other duties as assigned

Additional Duties:

• Capture, track and report revenue and expenses; determine appropriate procedures for accounting record preparation, research of transactions and reporting. Oversee, reconcile, and resolve problems relative to complicated accounts.
• Support the process (transactions and documentation) for requesting instructor compensation pre-approvals and submitting payments.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Advanced proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel.
• User knowledge and demonstrated experience of financial systems; internet and computer literacy.
• Understanding and ability to apply basic accounting skills and concepts.
• Demonstrated communication skills, including ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal audiences and client groups.
• Basic project management skills and ability to contribute as part of a project team.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (Desired):

• Advanced use of Pivot tables and VLOOKUP formula.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Knowledge of Oracle or other business financial systems
• Prior Stanford financial experience is a plus.

Working Conditions:

• Routine extended working hours during peak cycles; travel to school/unit sites across university.

Physical Requirements:

• Constantly sitting.
• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork.
• Occasionally stand/walk, lift/carry objects weighing 11-20 pounds.
• Rarely reach/work above shoulder.

Work Standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu .

Pay Range:
The expected pay range for this position is $74,000 to $100,000 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.

Why Stanford is for You 
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

How to Apply 
Does this role sound interesting to you? If so, we cannot wait to meet you and explore this opportunity for you to join our small but mighty team.

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application. Your one-page cover letter should briefly describe your relevant background and provide examples of your experience. Most importantly, tell us why you want to join our team in this role. 

The d.school is committed to welcoming and supporting a diverse community of learners, teachers, and doers. As such, people with personal or professional experience as part of communities of color and underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. and live in the U.S.

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 accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at [email protected] . For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form .

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.