Executive Director of Financial Planning & Analysis

Adelphi University•Village of Garden City, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director of Financial Planning & Analysis serves as a strategic financial leader responsible for overseeing the University’s budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and analytical functions. This role provides senior leadership with actionable financial insights to support institutional planning, resource allocation, and long-term sustainability. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Human Resources, the Executive Director leads the development of the annual operating and capital budgets, multi-year financial plans, and performance analytics in alignment with the University’s strategic priorities.

Requirements

Advanced financial modeling, forecasting, and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into clear insights.
Strong understanding of budgeting principles, GAAP, and higher education financial structures (including fund accounting preferred).
Ability to think strategically while executing operationally in a complex, decentralized environment.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non-financial audiences and executive leadership.
Strong leadership, collaboration, and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
High level of attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Advanced proficiency in financial systems and tools (e.g., Excel, ERP systems, data visualization platforms such as Tableau or similar).
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
Minimum of 10–12 years of progressively responsible experience in financial planning, budgeting, or related areas.
Prior leadership or supervisory experience is required.
Demonstrated experience developing long-range financial plans, financial models, and executive-level reporting.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree (MBA, MPA, or related field) and/or CPA is preferred.
Experience in higher education or a similarly complex, mission-driven organization is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the University-wide financial planning process, including development of annual operating and capital budgets and multi-year financial projections.
Serve as a key advisor to the VP of Finance and HR and senior leadership on financial strategy, resource allocation, and institutional priorities.
Develop and maintain integrated financial models (income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow) to support strategic decision-making.
Align financial planning with the University’s strategic plan, including scenario modeling and risk analysis.
Oversee the preparation, review, and consolidation of budget submissions from academic and administrative units.
Monitor budget performance and lead monthly and quarterly variance analysis, identifying trends and recommending corrective actions.
Lead reforecasting efforts and ensure timely updates to financial projections.
Ensure appropriate funding analysis for new initiatives, hiring plans, and compensation changes in coordination with Human Resources.
Provide complex financial analysis, including ROI, cost-benefit, and programmatic analysis to support academic and operational decision-making.
Prepare and present financial reports and dashboards for senior leadership, Finance and Investment Committee, and Board of Trustees.
Oversee development of key performance indicators and benchmarking against peer institutions.
Analyze trends in revenue (including enrollment), expenses, financial aid, and capital investments.
Lead the development of forward-looking financial and operational analyses to support institutional strategy, long-term planning, and resource allocation.
Conduct programmatic and unit-level cost and performance analysis to identify efficiencies, risks, and opportunities.
Partner with academic and administrative leadership to evaluate performance and inform planning, investment, and prioritization decisions.
Design and deliver executive-level reports and dashboards that integrate financial, operational, and enrollment data into clear, actionable insights.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess financial health, program effectiveness, and return on investment.
Lead scenario modeling and sensitivity analysis to evaluate the impact of strategic initiatives, policy changes, and market conditions.
Drive continuous improvement in reporting processes, analytics tools, and data governance in collaboration with Finance, Institutional Research, and IT.
Support leadership in evaluating new academic programs, capital investments, and administrative initiatives through detailed financial and cost-benefit analysis.
Partner closely with academic leadership and administrative units on financial planning and budget management.
Collaborate with Institutional Research and Strategic Analytics to enhance reporting capabilities and data-driven decision-making.
Serve as a financial liaison across the institution, translating complex financial information for non-financial stakeholders.
Oversee financial planning systems, tools, and reporting platforms (e.g., ERP, dashboards, planning software).
Drive continuous improvement of budgeting and forecasting processes, including automation and standardization.
Establish and document financial planning policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing FP&A and budget team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and data-informed decision-making.
Support union negotiations, compensation planning, and workforce financial modeling as needed.
Assist the VP of Finance and HR with special projects, including strategic initiatives, financing analyses, and institutional planning efforts.
Serve on University committees and working groups as appropriate.
Perform other job related duties as assigned.