Financial Analyst - UT Extension Administration

The Data/Financial Analyst provides analytical and financial decision-support services for UT Extension by leveraging organizational and financial data to inform budgeting, planning, reporting, and strategic initiatives. This position is responsible for analyzing trends, monitoring budget performance, developing forecasts and scenarios, and delivering actionable insights to support leadership decision-making. The role serves as the primary resource for data requests, ensures data accuracy and integrity across systems, supports data governance and compliance efforts, and drives continuous improvement through process enhancement, report automation, and effective data management practices. Reporting to the Executive Director for Business and Finance, the Data/Financial Analyst also provides analytical support to the Extension Dean and other organizational leaders.

• Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and interpret organizational, workforce, engagement, and financial data to support strategic planning and decision-making. Develop and maintain planning models, long-range budget forecasts, and ad hoc analytical reports on funding, staffing, operations, and program performance. Create meaningful reports and dashboards that integrate financial and operational data, providing actionable insights for Extension Administration and leadership.

• Budget Monitoring, Reporting, and Variance Analysis: Develop, maintain, and analyze financial and operational reports using reporting and visualization tools to support informed decision-making. Monitor budget-to-actual performance, identify trends and variances, and provide actionable insights through predictive analytics, data visualization, and customized reporting. Serve as a central resource for data requests, ensuring accurate, timely information while maintaining data quality, governance, security, and compliance with institutional standards.

• Budget Development and Implementation: Serve as UT Extension’s subject matter expert for budgeting and planning systems, supporting the development, implementation, and monitoring of annual and long-range budgets. Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to gather and analyze financial, operational, and external data; develop budget scenarios and forecasts; and provide data-driven recommendations that support strategic planning, resource allocation, and organizational goals.

• Develop and Maintain Financial Forecasts and Scenario Modeling: Analyze financial and operational data to identify trends, develop forecasts, and evaluate potential outcomes through scenario modeling. Provide leadership with timely projections, insights on budget variances, and data-driven recommendations to support strategic decision-making. Maintain and update forecasting models to reflect changing conditions while ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and compliance with data governance best practices.

• Data Management and Governance: Lead data management and governance activities to ensure the accuracy, quality, security, and integrity of organizational data. Develop and implement data governance standards, collaborate across departments to establish effective data practices, and promote data literacy to support informed decision-making and compliance with university policies and standards.

Required Qualifications

• Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree 

• Experience

  • 2 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or data analysis

  • 2 years of experience involving financial analysis, budgeting, and modeling

  • 2 years of experience using ERP and business intelligence software for data aggregation, analysis, budgeting, and modeling

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Possess exceptional computer and analytical skills with the ability to translate raw data into information and knowledge through the use of reports and graphical displays. 

  • Knowledge of data warehouse methodologies, data modeling, and analytics. 

  • Ability to identify risks associated with budget actions and determine the cause and effect of scenarios. 

  • Possess working knowledge of ERP software and the related data warehouse reporting component. 

  • Possess working knowledge of business intelligence software such as PowerBI, PowerQuery, Argos, Project Libre or Tableau.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel 

  • Possess organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

  • Possess strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate financial data in an understandable way to leadership, faculty and staff.

  • Ability to manage projects and facilitate successful and timely completion.

  • Ability to direct the work of others.

  • Ability to self-direct work and be self-motivated.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education

  • Master’s Degree

• Experience

  • Higher education experience

  • 4-6 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, or data analysis

  • 4-6 years of experience involving financial analysis, budgeting, and modeling

  • 4-6 years of experience using ERP and business intelligence software for data aggregation, analysis, budgeting, and modeling

  • Supervisory experience

  • An understanding of fund accounting and non-profit or governmental reporting

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • A working knowledge of Oracle or other (ERP) software and the related data warehouse reporting component is preferred. Ability to supervise and direct the work of others.

Work Location: 

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• UT Extension supports a formal Alternative Work Arrangement program currently in place and more information can be provided if candidate progresses through the recruitment process.

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: 13

• Anticipated hiring range: Starting Salary Based on Education & Experience

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. 

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About The Division:

As the outreach unit of the UT Institute of Agriculture, UT Extension provides a gateway to the resources of the University of Tennessee. UT Extension is a county-based, statewide educational organization that is funded by federal, state, and local governments to achieve the mission of providing unbiased, research-based information to the people of Tennessee where they live and work. Because Extension emphasizes helping people improve their livelihood where they are located, most Tennesseans have contact with UT Extension through their local county Extension agents found in each of the state’s 95 counties. Extension agents are supported by a network of university faculty and subject matter specialists and the educational and research resources of the University of Tennessee as part of the Land Grant University system.