Director, Strategic Financial Planning

University of Pennsylvania

81d • $109,000 - $140,000

About The Position

The Director of Strategic Financial Planning reports to the Vice Dean/CFO and provides direct support/consultation on decision support matters and represents the school at university budget meetings, ad hoc special committees, or task force assignments as directed. Coordinates with leadership and stakeholders across the school and with select university offices. The Director also leads the development and management of the $220M annual school budget submission, quarterly forecasts, and 5-year budget model. Participates in management-level meetings with various leadership, manages the capital budgeting process for major construction/renovation projects, and for the acquisition of major capital equipment. Conducts business planning, including the development of risk assessment and ROI. In addition, the Director provides decision support for all cost centers and business units spanning two campuses including operational performance reporting, forecasting, program investment analysis, strategic analysis and budgeting. Problem solves and makes recommendations to achieve fiscal optimization, stability and sustainability.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science and 7 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Master’s Degree and 5 to 7 years of experience are preferred.
• Ability to conduct quantitative analyses, strong analytical background, and excellent working knowledge of spreadsheet and database software.
• Must be able to conceptualize complex tasks and work independently, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.
• Knowledge of BEN Financials, Business Objects/Data Warehouse, Planning, and other University of Pennsylvania Systems is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, consolidate, and oversee the annual School budget process model as well as the quarterly forecast process.
• Develop recommendations regarding the 5-year budget model.
• Represent the Office of Budget & Finance at both school and university-level budget planning meetings.
• Provide School-level financial analysis for multiple cost centers and business units, including operational performance reporting, forecasting, and strategic analysis.
• Develop financial reports and standard metrics for divisional analysis and operational use.
• Prepare internal and external reports using standard University tools (Business Objects, Hyperion Planning, MS Office, etc.) along with other tools such as Smartview, advanced features of Excel, and other reporting packages as identified.
• Monitor operational processes, evaluate cost-effectiveness of existing and proposed programs or investments, and suggest alternatives to ensure optimal use of resources.
• Ensure the use of analysis and reporting best practices across the Division and assist with training and development in the departments.
• Assist with the development and implementation of business process improvements and training initiatives regarding the use of data mining and reporting tools and applications.
• Manage the $70M student aid portfolio, including coordinating with Institutional Advancement, the Office for Students, and the Dean’s Office on policy development and compliance, strategic planning, and reporting.
• Drive the use of technology, using standard university tools (Business Objects, Hyperion Planning, MS Office, Power BI, etc.), along with other tools such as SmartView, advanced features of Excel, and other reporting packages as identified.
• Assess potential uses of AI to increase productivity and information gathering.
• Assist with the development and implementation of university and school business process improvements and training initiatives when appropriate.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
• Tuition assistance for employees, their spouses, and dependent children.
• Generous retirement plans including Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans.
• Substantial time away from work for personal needs.
• Long-term care insurance for faculty and staff and eligible family members.
• Wellness and work-life resources to support health and balance.
• Professional and personal development resources.
• Access to a wide range of University resources and cultural activities.
• Discounts and special services for faculty and staff.
• Flexible work options for better work-life balance.
• Forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home in West Philadelphia.
• Adoption assistance for eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees