Senior Budget Analyst Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Senior Budget Analyst roles qualify for H-1B visa and E-3 visa sponsorship as specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or economics. Federal contractors and large enterprises sponsor most consistently, with cap-exempt employers offering year-round hiring. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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PSD Budget & Finance
About the Department
The Physical Sciences Division (PSD) has a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in the physical and mathematical sciences, and this tradition of innovation continues today. Our inquiry and impact spans from the edge of the observable universe to human-computer interaction, from biophysical materials science to the geologic record of seawater composition, from gravitational waves to geometric flows, and beyond. The division includes the academic departments of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geophysical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics. In addition, PSD includes a number of interdisciplinary research institutes and centers, including the Data Science Institute, Enrico Fermi Institute, the James Franck Institute, and the Kavli Center for Cosmological Physics. Many of our scientists have joint appointments at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory as well as joint affiliations with other Chicago-based research institutions such as the Toyota Technological Institute of Chicago, and the Field Museum. Our students build connections with world-leading scientists, collaborate across disciplines, and enjoy the dynamic Chicago and University communities.
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Associate Director of Finance, the Senior Budget Analyst prepares the consolidated budget for the Division of the Physical Sciences, works with departments and centers to create and update financial models, and helps departments prepare their budgets. The Senior Budget Analyst performs accounting data collection and analysis, financial reviews and historical trend analysis of related work, and develops and maintains policies and guidelines for accounting data collection and analysis.
Responsibilities
- Prepares the Division’s annual budget by gathering, analyzing, and compiling financial data into spreadsheets shared with departments, and provides specialized analysis and administration of the budget
- Evaluates budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives
- Tracks budget performance by reviewing reports and accounting records ensuring that allocated funds are utilized effectively and appropriately
- Produces specific reports and analysis for various types of data used by the Associate Dean; collaborates with others to develop focused, effective reporting design and metrics
- Examines past budgets and performs research on economic and financial developments that affect spending; communicates progress and results to all stakeholders; understands the context and implications of all projects in addressing business needs
- Responds to requests from across the Division, including the Dean and Associate/Deputy Deans, for special reports and data (such as enrollment, faculty, and admissions), analyzing and interpreting results to prepare clear reports
- Identifies current and future resource planning and allocation issues; develops, leads, and supervises complex studies and analyses that will assist senior staff in reaching resource planning and allocation decisions
- Understands and clearly communicates the conclusions drawn from data analysis
- Designs, implements, and maintains financial models to support budget planning, forecasting, and resource allocation, and to evaluate the potential impact of strategic initiatives
- Reviews estimated expenditures. Develops expenditure projections and periodic budget variance reports. Prepares forecasts as well as analysis
- Has a deep understanding of operational budgets for departments or other operational units
- Reports on variances between the approved budget and actual performance and recommends revised procedures
- Performs other related work as needed
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- MBA, or other advanced degree
- Educational background with focus in business or related technical field
Experience:
- Demonstrated experience building financial models
- Advanced Excel skills, able to manipulate data via sort, VLOOKUP, IF statements, and pivot data
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Accounting, Finance, Budgeting, Financial Analysis, or related experience
- Experience compiling data used for preparing budgets
- Experience verifying electronic records for data integrity
- Experience researching information
- Experience in a University setting or other complex not-for-profit organization
- Familiarity with Oracle ERP system
- Familiarity with Orbit reporting system
- Familiarity with SmartView
- Familiarity with a higher education environment
- Understanding of how gifts, endowments, and payroll flow into departmental budgets
Preferred Competencies
- Strong practical knowledge of financial analysis methodologies
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong communication skills—be able to tell a story in understandable manner to the non-financial individual.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically, independently develop and evaluate options, and translate findings into operational objectives
- Ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels
- Ability to work closely and effectively with senior University leadership
- Intellectual versatility and creativity
- Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to interact with a diverse workforce
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision
- Flexibility and ability to work effectively and gracefully under considerable time pressure on high visibility, high-stakes projects
- Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures
Working Conditions
- This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule; Will be required to be onsite one day a week and/or as needed
- Occasional extended or non-standard hours may be required during peak periods, such as annual budget preparation, fiscal year-end close, and urgent leadership requests
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover Letter (preferred)
- References (preferred)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Financial Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$95,000.00 - $110,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
Department
PSD Budget & Finance
About the Department
The Physical Sciences Division (PSD) has a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in the physical and mathematical sciences, and this tradition of innovation continues today. Our inquiry and impact spans from the edge of the observable universe to human-computer interaction, from biophysical materials science to the geologic record of seawater composition, from gravitational waves to geometric flows, and beyond. The division includes the academic departments of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geophysical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics. In addition, PSD includes a number of interdisciplinary research institutes and centers, including the Data Science Institute, Enrico Fermi Institute, the James Franck Institute, and the Kavli Center for Cosmological Physics. Many of our scientists have joint appointments at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory as well as joint affiliations with other Chicago-based research institutions such as the Toyota Technological Institute of Chicago, and the Field Museum. Our students build connections with world-leading scientists, collaborate across disciplines, and enjoy the dynamic Chicago and University communities.
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Associate Director of Finance, the Senior Budget Analyst prepares the consolidated budget for the Division of the Physical Sciences, works with departments and centers to create and update financial models, and helps departments prepare their budgets. The Senior Budget Analyst performs accounting data collection and analysis, financial reviews and historical trend analysis of related work, and develops and maintains policies and guidelines for accounting data collection and analysis.
Responsibilities
- Prepares the Division’s annual budget by gathering, analyzing, and compiling financial data into spreadsheets shared with departments, and provides specialized analysis and administration of the budget
- Evaluates budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and organizational objectives
- Tracks budget performance by reviewing reports and accounting records ensuring that allocated funds are utilized effectively and appropriately
- Produces specific reports and analysis for various types of data used by the Associate Dean; collaborates with others to develop focused, effective reporting design and metrics
- Examines past budgets and performs research on economic and financial developments that affect spending; communicates progress and results to all stakeholders; understands the context and implications of all projects in addressing business needs
- Responds to requests from across the Division, including the Dean and Associate/Deputy Deans, for special reports and data (such as enrollment, faculty, and admissions), analyzing and interpreting results to prepare clear reports
- Identifies current and future resource planning and allocation issues; develops, leads, and supervises complex studies and analyses that will assist senior staff in reaching resource planning and allocation decisions
- Understands and clearly communicates the conclusions drawn from data analysis
- Designs, implements, and maintains financial models to support budget planning, forecasting, and resource allocation, and to evaluate the potential impact of strategic initiatives
- Reviews estimated expenditures. Develops expenditure projections and periodic budget variance reports. Prepares forecasts as well as analysis
- Has a deep understanding of operational budgets for departments or other operational units
- Reports on variances between the approved budget and actual performance and recommends revised procedures
- Performs other related work as needed
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- MBA, or other advanced degree
- Educational background with focus in business or related technical field
Experience:
- Demonstrated experience building financial models
- Advanced Excel skills, able to manipulate data via sort, VLOOKUP, IF statements, and pivot data
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Accounting, Finance, Budgeting, Financial Analysis, or related experience
- Experience compiling data used for preparing budgets
- Experience verifying electronic records for data integrity
- Experience researching information
- Experience in a University setting or other complex not-for-profit organization
- Familiarity with Oracle ERP system
- Familiarity with Orbit reporting system
- Familiarity with SmartView
- Familiarity with a higher education environment
- Understanding of how gifts, endowments, and payroll flow into departmental budgets
Preferred Competencies
- Strong practical knowledge of financial analysis methodologies
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong communication skills—be able to tell a story in understandable manner to the non-financial individual.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically, independently develop and evaluate options, and translate findings into operational objectives
- Ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels
- Ability to work closely and effectively with senior University leadership
- Intellectual versatility and creativity
- Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to interact with a diverse workforce
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision
- Flexibility and ability to work effectively and gracefully under considerable time pressure on high visibility, high-stakes projects
- Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures
Working Conditions
- This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule; Will be required to be onsite one day a week and/or as needed
- Occasional extended or non-standard hours may be required during peak periods, such as annual budget preparation, fiscal year-end close, and urgent leadership requests
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover Letter (preferred)
- References (preferred)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Financial Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$95,000.00 - $110,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
See all 4,286+ Senior Budget Analyst Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Senior Budget Analyst roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Senior Budget Analyst
Target employers with established sponsorship history
Federal contractors, defense firms, and Fortune 500 companies sponsor Senior Budget Analysts most consistently. These organizations have dedicated immigration counsel and established LCA filing processes, making sponsorship approvals faster and more predictable than smaller employers.
Align your degree field to the job description
Consular officers and USCIS adjudicators scrutinize whether your degree field directly supports the role. A finance, accounting, economics, or public administration degree strengthens your specialty occupation case. A mismatched degree, even from a top school, can trigger an RFE.
Prioritize government and nonprofit employers for cap-exempt H-1B access
Universities, government research institutions, and affiliated nonprofits are cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round without lottery exposure. Budget analyst roles are common in these sectors, giving you a significant timing advantage over cap-subject employers.
Get your LCA details right before the interview
Your employer's Labor Condition Application must list the correct prevailing wage tier and work location before your visa interview. Errors in the LCA are one of the most common causes of delays for financial analyst and budget analyst sponsorship cases.
Prepare documentation linking your analysis work to business outcomes
Sponsorship petitions are stronger when supported by evidence of specialized duties. Gather performance reviews, project summaries, or management letters that describe your forecasting, variance analysis, or budget modeling work in concrete, outcomes-focused language before applying.
Raise sponsorship early in the hiring process
Many employers are open to sponsorship but unfamiliar with the process for budget roles. Introducing the topic before an offer is made, and framing it as a manageable administrative step, reduces friction and gives HR time to engage immigration counsel before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior Budget Analyst role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, Senior Budget Analyst consistently qualifies as a specialty occupation. USCIS recognizes financial analysis and budget management roles as requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as finance, accounting, economics, or business administration. Petitions are strongest when the job description emphasizes specialized duties like multi-year forecasting, variance modeling, or regulatory compliance reporting rather than general administrative tasks.
What degree do I need for a Senior Budget Analyst to sponsor my visa?
A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, or public administration is the standard baseline. Some employers accept degrees in mathematics or statistics for analyst-track roles. The degree field must have a logical and direct relationship to the budget analysis duties in your job description. If your degree is in an unrelated field, three years of specialized work experience can substitute for each missing year of education in certain visa categories.
Which employers sponsor Senior Budget Analysts most often?
Federal contractors, defense and aerospace firms, healthcare systems, and large financial institutions are the most active sponsors for this role. Government contractors in particular file high volumes of LCAs for budget analyst positions because the role is central to federal compliance requirements. You can browse Senior Budget Analyst roles with active sponsorship on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for visa-sponsoring employers.
Can I get an E-3 visa sponsored as a Senior Budget Analyst if I'm Australian?
Yes. Senior Budget Analyst qualifies for the E-3 visa, which is available exclusively to Australian citizens. The role meets the specialty occupation standard, and your employer files a Labor Condition Application with the Department of Labor before your consular interview. E-3 has no lottery and a far smaller applicant pool than the H-1B visa, so approval timelines are generally shorter. Consulting and financial services firms that operate across the U.S. and Australia sponsor E-3 visa holders in this role regularly.
What are the biggest reasons H-1B petitions get denied for Budget Analyst roles?
The most common denial reason is failure to establish specialty occupation, usually because the job description lists generic duties that don't clearly require a specific degree field. Adjudicators may also issue RFEs if the degree field doesn't directly relate to budget analysis or if the employer can't show the position is distinct from general administrative work. Petitions supported by detailed duty descriptions, organizational charts, and evidence of the employer's normal hiring requirements for the role have significantly stronger approval rates.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Senior Budget Analyst jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.