Director of Financial Planning and Analysis

The Lawrenceville School • Lawrenceville, NJ

47m

About The Position

Summary: The Director of Financial Planning and Analysis (DFPA), reporting to the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO), is responsible for leading financial planning and analysis at Lawrenceville. They will lead and manage the annual operating budget and all related processes (budget development, prioritization and approval process, financial reporting versus budget, variance analysis and management, position control and coordination with HR and the Dean of the Faculty regarding vacancies, new positions, market adjustments and the salary budget), multi-year planning and forecasting, and the School’s multi-year capital budget. The DFPA will play a critical role in executing and delivering the Financial Sustainability initiative that is a key 4th element of the School’s Strategic Plan. This position will work closely, and collaborate in real partnership with, the Director of Finance and Controller, as well as other key colleagues in the Finance Office. The DFPA will be the primary contact with department heads and senior staff regarding their budgets and resource needs. This role will also manage submissions to financial surveys, as well as financial reporting in the annual Trustees Data Book. Together with the CFAO and the Director of Finance and Controller, the DFPA will work with and support the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees. This position has a dotted line supervisory relationship with the Budget Analyst and Management Accountant (who is expected to work approximately 50% time on budget and planning related activities, and who reports directly to the Director of Finance and Controller). Essential Responsibilities Current year budget management, year to date actuals, current year forecasting, variance reporting. Run and improve the annual operating budget development process (new initiatives, top-down ‘budget cornerstones,’ bottom up review with managers, presentation to Board). Execute a robust, inclusive budget process to insure the gathering of all current and future institutional needs for consideration and planning by the School’s budget committee, chaired by the CFAO, and staffed by the DFPA. Work with and support department heads and staff to understand budgets and to develop annual budget requests. Manage delivering a balanced, efficient budget each year that is aligned with the School’s mission, values, strategic plan, and priorities. Build and maintain multi-year forecasting model, perform financial planning and scenario analyses in support of planning and financial sustainability initiative. Work closely with Director of Finance and Controller and Business Office team to strengthen financial data and reporting, and collaborate to strengthen the School’s financial systems, capabilities, and resources. Work closely with Assistant Director of Endowment Accounting and Investment Operations to more clearly link and coordinate financial reporting, operating budget, and endowment software (Fundriver Balance) records and processes. Financial sustainability – With CFAO, develop and implement approach to manage cost growth and achieve cost reduction targets over time, and ensure efficient deployment and allocation of resources. Capital budget – develop and manage, including regular updates of sources and uses. Collaboration with Facilities team, as well as Development colleagues and Program leaders. Gather and submit financial survey data for 40 school association of peer boarding schools (ABOPS), as well as Board of Trustees Metrics Book, etc. Collaborate closely with colleagues on institutional data, analysis, and reporting. Assist leaders of summer and auxiliary programs with financial planning and reporting and strengthening their business operations. Other duties as assigned by the CFAO

Requirements

• Requires at least a four-year degree in business/accounting from an accredited institution
• Five or more years of Financial Planning and Analysis (FPA) and budgeting experience at the organizational or unit level, preferably in an educational institution or other non-profit organization of comparable scale and complexity
• Three or more years of managerial experience supervising accounting/business office personnel preferred
• Experience and expertise with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT (and/or similar not-for-profit accounting applications) strongly preferred
• Strong analytical, financial, modeling and planning skills. Ability to earn the trust and respect of co-workers and school community, creating positive relationships.
• Simplify and explain complex financial matters to non-experts and a general audience, while also working effectively with sophisticated finance professionals.
• Experience building and managing complex budgets inclusively. Significant experience building financial and planning models, including scenarios, driving and supporting a robust long term planning process. Forecasting and presentation of results. Excellent Excel skills. Ability to build and document models and develop and develop and utilize scenarios to clearly illustrate ‘what if'.
• Process oriented, ability to manage projects, manage deadlines and deliverables.
• This position also requires relevant working knowledge of finance and accounting principles.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with employees at all levels, management, Trustees, and external stakeholders to maximize performance, solve problems and achieve optimum results within the culture of the School.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize work, ability to meet multiple and often competing deadlines.
• Desirable traits include: truly collaborative work style, high integrity, strong work ethic and positive outlook. Ability to evaluate and improve processes and leverage technology. Inclination to document processes and policies while working in an environment where personal relationships and trust are highly valued. Must be inherently collegial and highly service oriented. Actively seeks feedback and opportunities to grow.
• Must be highly proficient with Microsoft Suite applications, with excellent Excel modelling skills. Ability to learn and work with various accounting programs and forecasting tools and modules. Help drive usage of IT systems to support and manage work, both by ‘power’ and ‘end’ users.
• Must be able to navigate an unstructured organization and be comfortable with ambiguity and situations where authority is diffused. Effective at bringing people together.
• Must be capable of using visual display terminal with continuous wrist movement on a keyboard
• Required to stand for long periods of time
• Required to, talk, hear, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms
• Required to work evenings, weekends and holidays in conjunction with School calendar and events
• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs. without assistance
• Ability to see with normal parameters.
• Operates in a professional work environment

Responsibilities

• Current year budget management, year to date actuals, current year forecasting, variance reporting.
• Run and improve the annual operating budget development process (new initiatives, top-down ‘budget cornerstones,’ bottom up review with managers, presentation to Board).
• Execute a robust, inclusive budget process to insure the gathering of all current and future institutional needs for consideration and planning by the School’s budget committee, chaired by the CFAO, and staffed by the DFPA.
• Work with and support department heads and staff to understand budgets and to develop annual budget requests.
• Manage delivering a balanced, efficient budget each year that is aligned with the School’s mission, values, strategic plan, and priorities.
• Build and maintain multi-year forecasting model, perform financial planning and scenario analyses in support of planning and financial sustainability initiative.
• Work closely with Director of Finance and Controller and Business Office team to strengthen financial data and reporting, and collaborate to strengthen the School’s financial systems, capabilities, and resources.
• Work closely with Assistant Director of Endowment Accounting and Investment Operations to more clearly link and coordinate financial reporting, operating budget, and endowment software (Fundriver Balance) records and processes.
• Financial sustainability – With CFAO, develop and implement approach to manage cost growth and achieve cost reduction targets over time, and ensure efficient deployment and allocation of resources.
• Capital budget – develop and manage, including regular updates of sources and uses. Collaboration with Facilities team, as well as Development colleagues and Program leaders.
• Gather and submit financial survey data for 40 school association of peer boarding schools (ABOPS), as well as Board of Trustees Metrics Book, etc. Collaborate closely with colleagues on institutional data, analysis, and reporting.
• Assist leaders of summer and auxiliary programs with financial planning and reporting and strengthening their business operations.
• Other duties as assigned by the CFAO

Benefits

• Eligible employees receive a competitive benefit package that includes health insurance coverage, paid leave and retirement plan options and many other valuable programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees