Principal Budget Analyst

Position Details
University of Colorado | Denver
Official Title: Business Services Principal Professional
Working Title: Principal Budget Analyst
FTE: Full-time
Salary Range: $83,457 - $92,242
Position #00794294 – Requisition #38664
About The University Of Colorado - Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We’re the state’s premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top ranked bachelors, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners—at any stage of their life and career—for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state’s largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.
Job Description
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *
The Principal Budget Analyst serves as a subject matter expert and strategic advisor for CU Denver’s budget operations. The role leads complex budget analyses, develops advanced forecasting models, and provides guidance to other analysts. The Principal Budget Analyst partners with leadership to shape budget strategy, ensure compliance with state and university policies, and reviews process improvements across the institution. In this role, the Principal Budget Analyst will work with many constituencies including campus administration, campus operating units, employee groups, the President’s Office, the public, and other higher education institutions. The Principal Budget Analyst role in the Budget Office is a full-time, at-will position.
Principal Budget and Analyst
What you will do:

Serve as lead budget analyst for Administration, providing expert guidance on budget development and resource allocation.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior budget staff.
Represent the Budget Office when working with Administration, influencing policy and strategic decisions.
Conduct regular budget review meetings with managers to discuss any finance issues, advise on spending trends and strategic planning monthly.
On an annual basis, collaborate with Administration and other leadership as needed to develop the budget.
Assist in the reconciliation of the annual CU Denver operating budget document in collaboration with the Anschutz team. This requires working with the senior staff implementing general budget guidelines developed by other state agencies and the governing board, assisting in the review of department budgets for reasonableness and compliance with guidelines.
Provide rigorous quantitative and qualitative analyses of the major issues facing the university and communicate results and recommendations to administration and other leadership and fiscal managers.
Collects, queries, and analyzes the financial Central Information Warehouse, the Integrated Student Information System, the Student Unit Record Data System, and other University information sources for the development and review of business intelligence models.
Loading all budgets for Administration into the system and loading all salaries.
Assist in the development of materials, reports, schedules, charts, and graphs that are presented to officials of the University in management meetings and retreats by analyzing historical data and trends and helping compile new budget figures for the new fiscal year (i.e., salaries, tuition, operating expenses, etc.), taking into consideration inflation and the accomplishments and future goals of the CU Denver.
Assist in the monitoring of budgetary data maintained in the University financial reporting system by reviewing departmental changes to initial operating budgets for reasonable budgeting decisions, compliance with applicable guidelines, and proper preparation before submittal to budget director for approval.
Project and forecast expenditures, revenues, rates, and cash flow, and for monitoring professional staff and classified staff FTE utilization.
Assists in the response to requests for information from the President’s Office, auditors, Administration and outside agencies by compiling information, analyzing data, and projecting new figures for expenditures and revenues.
Process journal entries and payroll expense transfers.
Process funding changes per payroll deadlines as needed.
Qualifications You Already Possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

A bachelor’s degree in business, business administration, finance, accounting, or directly related field from an accredited institution.
Three years of progressively responsible finance or budget related experience.
Experience must include developing and managing multi-million-dollar budgets, performing forecasting, and collaborating with leadership on budget processes.
Demonstrated expertise in higher education budgeting strategy
Experience with the State of Colorado and/or University of Colorado budgetary processes is required.
Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualification To Possess (Preferred Qualifications)

PeopleSoft or other Oracle-based financial system experience is highly desired.
Familiarity with PeopleSoft or other Oracle-based financial system experience.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Expert-level knowledge of budgeting principles
Ability to lead projects and guide team members.
Proficiency in enterprise financial systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Oracle) and advanced Excel modeling; experience with budget modeling tools such as Axiom or similar systems.
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Demonstrate an exceptional understanding of access and engagement with a commitment to developing equitable practices.
Knowledge of accounting and budgeting processes.
Demonstrated competence in the use of MS Office applications, particularly MS Excel and MS Access, for spreadsheets, statistical analysis, graphics, and decision support.
Analytical skills including the ability to apply math (algebra) skills, analyze implications of changes in methods, input data, policies, etc.
Able to analyze and interpret financial data by using spreadsheets, databases, and modeling applications.
Understanding of higher education policies and issues.
Understanding of relational database concepts and queries.
Conditions of Employment

This position follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office, as needed, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. Working from the office is required when working on tasks that require a high degree of collaboration.
Mental, Physical, And/or Environmental Requirements

The ability to sit for extended periods, stand and walk occasionally, reach with hands and arms, use hands to manipulate a keyboard and mouse, and have good near vision for computer work; often requiring minimal lifting, but may involve bending or reaching to retrieve items from shelves or drawers.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu .
Employment Sponsorship
Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.
Compensation And Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $83,457 - $92,242.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits
Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by January 24th, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.
Required Application Materials:
To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:

A cover letter which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications
A current CV/resume
List of three references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references)
Questions should be directed to Tawnya Boulier, tawnya.boulier@ucdenver.edu
Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.
University Staff
Job Category
Business Services
Primary Location
Denver
Department
U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver
Schedule
Full-time
Posting Date
Jan 9, 2026
Unposting Date
Ongoing
Posting Contact Name
Tawnya Boulier
Posting Contact Email
Tawnya.Boulier@UCDenver.edu
Position Number
00794299