Senior Financial Analyst, Special Projects

At 2U, we are all in on purpose. We are motivated by our mission – to eliminate the back row in education – and connected by our shared passion to deliver world-class digital education at scale. As the parent company of edX, the world’s leading online learning platform, 2U powers more than 4,000 online higher education offerings – from free courses to full degrees. Together with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporate partners, we are helping to unlock human potential.

What We’re Looking For:

The Finance team at 2U provides strategic financial leadership and analytical support to stakeholders across the organization. We support decision-making and operational effectiveness through financial planning, analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, all in service of 2U’s mission to expand access to high-quality education.

As a Senior Financial Analyst, Special Projects, you will play a lead role in supporting high-impact, cross-functional initiatives across the business.This includes evaluating new initiatives, supporting business case development, driving financial modeling, and surfacing insights that inform company-wide decisions. You’ll work closely with Finance leadership and cross-functional teams, such as Strategy, Operations, Product, and Revenue, to drive clarity around priorities, risks, and opportunities.

This is an ideal role for a highly analytical and proactive individual with strong business acumen and a desire to work in a mission-driven and fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

Strategic Financial Analysis & Project Ownership 

• Lead the development of complex financial models and decision-support analyses for strategic initiatives, new product evaluations, and operational improvement projects
• Evaluate performance trends, assess risks and opportunities, and deliver actionable insights to Finance leadership and business stakeholder
• Support the creation of business cases, scenario analyses, and investment frameworks for key cross-functional initiatives
• Assist with tracking and monitoring strategic project outcomes, resource allocation, and financial impact
• Drive improvements in financial planning tools and processes, ensuring scalability and accuracy
• Special projects across FP&A as assigned

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as a finance point of contact for strategic initiatives, coordinating with teams across Operations, Product, Revenue, and Academic functions
• Translate financial insights into clear narratives that support stakeholder understanding and strategic decision-making
• Collaborate on presentations and materials for executive audiences and project steering groups

Forecasting, Reporting & Ad Hoc Analysis 

• Support quarterly forecasting, annual planning, and strategic planning processes as needed
• Ensure accuracy and consistency in financial reporting by maintaining alignment across planning tools (e.g., Workday, Adaptive Planning)
• Perform ad hoc reporting and financial deep dives to respond to urgent business questions or shifting priorities

Things That Should Be In Your Background:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field strongly preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in FP&A, corporate finance, strategic finance, investment banking, or management consulting
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills required
• Familiarity with enterprise financial systems (e.g., Workday, Adaptive Planning) is a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and concisely
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment

Other Attributes That Will Help You In This Role:

• Highly analytical, detail-oriented, and intellectually curious
• Self-starter who thrives in ambiguity and seeks out new challenges
• Strong business judgment and ability to work cross-functionally
• A collaborative team player who can also work independently
• Passion for education and mission-driven work

Working Conditions:

• Standard 8-hour workday required with additional hours as needed
• Minimal travel may be required as needed

Physical Requirements:

• The position requires prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.

Management Responsibilities

• Sr Financial Analyst
• Financial Analyst

While this position is open to remote candidates across the U.S., we will prioritize those who live in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area and who are available to come into our Headquarters in Arlington, VA two days a week.

Benefits & Culture

Our global employee base is a diverse collection of innovators, dreamers, and doers working together to transform lives through higher education. We believe that every employee can advance our shared purpose, and that life at 2U should be fun and meaningful. If you’re excited by the opportunity to provide over 40 million learners and counting with access to world-class online higher education, then join us – and do work that makes a difference. #NoBackRow

We offer comprehensive benefits (unique per country) and excellent work/life balance.
Full-time, U.S.benefits include: 

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance, disability, and 401(k) employer match
• Free snacks and drinks in-office
• Generous paid holidays and leave policies, including unlimited PTO
• Additional time off benefits include: volunteer days, parental leave, and a company-wide winter break

The anticipated base salary range for this role is ($95,100 - $114,100), with potential bonus eligibility.  Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, budget for the position and cost of labor in the market in which the candidate will be hired.

About 2U LLC

For more than a decade, 2U, Inc. has been the digital transformation partner of choice to great non-profit colleges and universities delivering high-quality online education at scale. As the parent company of edX, a leading global online learning platform, 2U provides over 45 million learners with access to world-class education in partnership with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporations. Our people and technology are powering more than 4,000 digital education offerings — from free courses to full degrees — and helping unlock human potential. To learn more: visit 2U.com.

About edX

edX is the education movement for restless learners and a leading global online learning platform from 2U, LLC. Together with the majority of the world’s top-ranked universities and industry-leading companies, we bring our community of over 45 million learners world-class education to support them at every stage of their lives and careers, from free courses to full degrees. And we're not stopping there — we're relentlessly pursuing our vision of a world where every learner can access education to unlock their potential, without the barriers of cost or location. Learn more at edX.org.

Learn more at https://2u.com/careers/
#NoBackRow

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

2U is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against applicants or employees and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship, military or veterans’ status, or any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. 2U’s equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, job benefits and pay.