Budget & Systems Analyst

William Paterson University•Wayne, NJ

5d•Onsite

About The Position

William Paterson University is seeking a Budget & Systems Analyst to support the University's planning and budgeting processes. This role involves developing and maintaining advanced Excel-based models, assisting with budget systems configuration and support, and working with confidential financial information. The position reports to the Associate Vice President for Budget and Fiscal Planning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field from an accredited University.
Minimum three (3) years’ work experience developing and maintaining advanced excel models, preferably within an institution of higher education.
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain complex financial models to assist the budgeting and forecasting.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, with a strong emphasis on Excel, including expertise in lookup functions, conditional calculations, logical formulas, error handling, and dynamic array functions.
Strong ability to perform detailed financial analysis, reconciliations and investigate variances from expected results.
Proficient accounting knowledge, and the ability to assist with GAAP reporting.
Excellent analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly to a range of audiences.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Workday and/or Adaptive Planning preferred.

Responsibilities

Leads the development and maintenance of advanced Excel-based models to support annual budget development and multi-year financial forecasting.
Performs financial analyses to support the development, management, projection and monitoring of departmental budgets across the University.
Supports the complex configuration, maintenance, and optimization of budget systems (Workday and new planning system), including maintaining financial structures, developing reports, and troubleshooting system issues.
Develops dashboards and visual reports to communicate financial trends and insights to leadership.
Monitors budget-to-actual activity analyze trends and variances and collaborate with the Budget team to identify risks and recommend solutions to campus.
Assists in the development and implementation of budgeting policies, procedures, and best practices in coordination with the Budget team.
Supports the development of tools and process improvements that enhance efficiency, including automation and the application of emerging technologies where appropriate.
Assists in the preparation and submission of the University’s annual budget request to the State.
Develops and delivers training and supporting materials, including guides and videos, to improve user understanding of budgeting processes and systems to campus-wide audiences.
Maintains and updates Budget Office and system documentation, including procedures, manuals, and process workflows.
Reviews and processes budget amendments and assists with budget transfers and encumbrance activity to ensure accuracy and compliance with established guidelines.
Builds and maintains effective working relationships with campus partners to support budget development and ongoing financial management.
Participates in divisional and University-wide committees, projects, and initiatives as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position.