Senior Budget Analyst chez undefined

Please note: This is a hybrid position. You will be expected to work from the office in Alpharetta, GA, three days a week, and work from home two days a week.

Education is ever-evolving. And so are we.

We seek passionate people from diverse backgrounds who are committed to helping improve the work of schools as a trusted partner in advancing learning. By joining the Cognia team, you will be immersed in a community of energetic and resourceful people dedicated to a common vision to impact and inspire education providers to advance and enable pathways of success for all learners. At Cognia we have developed a holistic approach to education that empowers schools to create real outcomes and optimize learning for students of all backgrounds, servicing more than 36,000 institutions, 5 million teachers, and 25 million students in 85 countries. When you join Cognia, you join a team of experts passionate about our mission and embracing our core values in everything we do.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The Senior Budget Analyst is responsible for leading budget development, monitoring financial performance, analyzing complex data, and providing actionable insights to support strategic decision-making, and will report to the Budget Director. The Senior Budget Analyst will collaborate closely with management, department heads, and cross-functional teams to ensure effective resource allocation and long-term financial sustainability.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES: 

Budget Development & Forecasting

• Lead the preparation and presentation of annual budgets and multi-year forecasts to the CFO and Budget Director.
• Build financial models and conduct scenario analysis for planning, strategic initiatives, and operational decision making.
• Guide departments in preparing accurate and realistic budget requests.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare standardized and ad-hoc financial reports and conduct forensic research to investigate discrepancies and recommend corrective action.
• Conduct variance and trend analyses to monitor performance, highlight risks or opportunities, and prepare executive level reports to support leadership decisions.
• Evaluate financial performance metrics to identify efficiency opportunities and cost-saving strategies.

Strategic Decision Support

• Analyze investment proposals, capital projects, and strategic initiatives with senior leadership, providing recommendations on resource allocation, cost control, and financial policies
• Conduct sensitivity and “what-if” analyses to assess financial impacts of business decisions.

Compliance & Process Improvement

• Ensure adherence to internal controls, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Enhance budgeting and forecasting processes through automation, technology, and best practices.
• Mentor junior analysts and provide subject-matter expertise on financial modeling and budget methodologies.

Documentation & Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain clear documentation of budgetary procedures, methodologies, and reporting processes.
• Enhance workflow efficiency by implementing process improvements and leveraging automation/technology.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements.

Presentation & Communication

• Translate complex financial data into clear, concise, and digestible insights for executives, managers, and non-financial stakeholders.
• Deliver professional reports, dashboards, and presentations tailored to varied audiences.
• Support decision-making by providing actionable recommendations backed by thorough analysis.

Collaboration & Timely Execution

• Partner with department heads and cross-functional teams to align budgets with organizational goals, ensuring timely and accurate completion of work, meeting reporting deadlines and supporting time-sensitive requests.
• Mentor and support junior staff in analysis, reporting, and data interpretation.

Other

• Perform duties and fulfill responsibilities that may, from time to time, include related or unrelated tasks

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• Five (5) to Seven (7) years of progressive financial planning, budgeting, or analytical experience required; experience in a complex organization preferred
• CPA /CFA preferred
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial modeling required
• Strong knowledge of ERP/financial systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Workday, NetSuite) required
• Ability to interpret large datasets and translate findings into clear insights required

Competencies:

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with ability to brief senior executives
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities
• Analytical thinking and attention to detail
• Strategic mindset with ability to see “big picture” and long-term implications
• Collaborative approach and ability to influence across teams
• Adaptability to dynamic financial and organizational environments
• Ability to work independently with minimal up-front guidance and take ownership of work products
• Follows in all respects the Cognia code of ethics
• Fosters positive and collaborative working relationships within the Finance Division and across the organization to accomplish organization-wide goals

Anticipated Travel (may include local, national, and/or international travel):

• Limited travel (0-10%)
• Travel to All Staff Company Meeting required

At Cognia, we recognize the critical role played by our teams in carrying out the organization’s important educational mission. As a reflection of that recognition our exceptional benefits offerings include generous paid time off and holiday breaks, comprehensive insurance plans, and a 12.5% retirement savings contribution which is immediately vested, all effective on your date of hire. This represents a strong commitment by the organization to attract and retain the highest quality workforce – to ensure our continued ability to effectively serve our mission for years to come.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.  Cognia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.