Business Operations Analyst

Overview

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

AARP's Policy, Research and International Affairs leads the development and communication of AARP's public policies and, research and insights on the issues that matter to people 50-plus.

The Business Operations Analyst within Research Operations plays a pivotal role in the smooth, efficient functioning of financial and operational systems with AARP Research. Primary responsibilities include finance and budget tracking, contract review and processing, and conducting detailed quality control reviews of both business and research products. In addition, this position supports the creation and implementation of processes and procedures that minimize the administrative burden on Research staff. The Business Operations Analyst must have demonstrated experience in financial analysis and accounting, proficiency with Microsoft Excel (including creating formulas and macros), and the demonstrated ability to adapt and master new software. The successful candidate will have strong organizational and time management skills and a proven ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Provides administrative-level support to internal clients on a variety of group- or organization-wide projects, programs, processes, and business initiatives. Liaises with other teams in order to execute on tasks. Serves as central point of contact for all business processes across the department, managing support activities as needed.
• Supports the business and financial operations processes for internal clients, including but not limited to the procure to pay processes and documentation, the tracking of invoices and payment processes, the preparation and/or tracking of budgets and reports, and the preparation and/or tracking of lobbying information.
• Provides excellent customer assistance. Researches, resolves, identifies and/or clarifies issues for internal/external customers. Uses programs and databases to track responses and identifies issues and recommends process improvements.
• Analyzes current business processes and develops, tests, and implements improvement initiatives and documents. Maintains/provides accurate documentation and acts as an expert on organization policies and procedures. Coordinates records management and documents adherence to policies and compliance requirements.
• Conducts research, analyzes data, and develops, manages, and distributes ad-hoc and scheduled reports.
• Coordinates financial, procurement, and contract management activities for departmental projects. Manages a variety of financial functions such as invoice coding and approval and expense reconciliation.
• Facilitates the coordination of project management, metrics, and operations across the departments in close collaboration with team members and department leads.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of experience (ideally in Business Operations/Administration, Finance/Accounting, Operations Management, or Business Analytics).
• Highly skilled and proficient user of Excel (including, deep knowledge of Excel's built-in functions and are adept at creating complex formulas to perform various calculations, automate processes, and manipulate data, as well as experience using Excel macros and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and enhance overall efficiency).
• Strong finance and accounting expertise (including, a solid understanding of financial principles, practices, and regulation, and demonstrated experience managing budgets, creating financial forecasts, interpreting and analyzing financial statements, and preparing clear, concise, detailed, and accurate financial reports for stakeholders).
• An attention to detail, combined analytical, and critical thinking abilities (including an exceptional eye for detail, enabling them to spot even the smallest errors or inconsistencies in both numerical data and written content).

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)
AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as telecommuting workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work and telecommuting can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits
AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition; tuition reimbursement; among others.

Equal Employment Opportunity
AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.