Business Analytics/Data Analyst

We are looking for an experienced Business Analytics/Data Analyst to support a contract financial data review initiative for a higher education organization in North Carolina. This 3-month assignment is suited for a hands-on accounting and analytics specialist who can investigate reporting inconsistencies, validate financial data, and strengthen trust in management reporting. The role will work closely with finance leadership to examine complex records, resolve discrepancies, and deliver clear, fact-based insights that improve reporting accuracy.

Responsibilities:

• Examine financial and operational information across Financial Edge and Colleague to uncover inconsistencies and support accurate reporting.
• Complete detailed reconciliations involving balance sheet accounts, subsidiary records, general ledger activity, and transaction-level data.
• Investigate historical accounting entries to confirm balances, explain variances, and resolve outstanding issues.
• Review payroll distributions and expense coding to verify that costs are assigned appropriately across departments and functions.
• Assist with month-end accounting tasks by preparing journal entries, analyzing accruals, and supporting close-related reviews.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current reporting structures and identify areas where corrections or refinements are needed.
• Create concise documentation of findings, reconciliation methods, and recommended process improvements for finance stakeholders.
• Partner with accounting and finance leadership to provide practical recommendations that increase confidence in financial data integrity.
• Use advanced Excel and related reporting tools to analyze large data sets and produce ad hoc financial reporting as needed.
• At least 7 years of accounting or financial analysis experience, with strong expertise in reconciliations and financial reporting.
• Background at the Senior Accountant, Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller, Controller, or Senior Financial Analyst level.
• Demonstrated success researching complex accounting issues and resolving discrepancies across large or detailed data sets.
• Solid experience supporting month-end close activities and preparing or reviewing financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Proficiency with account reconciliation, balance sheet analysis, and data validation in accounting environments.
• Hands-on experience with Financial Edge, Ellucian Colleague, and advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to work independently, document conclusions clearly, and communicate objective recommendations to leadership.
• Prior experience in nonprofit or higher education accounting environments is strongly preferred.