Financial Planning Analyst

Penn State University • University Park, IL

1d • $46,400 - $67,300 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Financial Planning Analyst supports the business unit and Strategic Financial Partner in the Eberly College of Science by providing oversight and guidance to academic and administrative units on budget and financial matters; serves as a resource in one or more fiscal-related areas; advises unit leaders on budget management and financial controls; and plays a key role in supporting financial planning efforts to ensure effective use of resources in alignment with the University’s mission, strategic goals, and regulatory requirements. This position has a strong focus on supporting units across the College, facilitating coordination with central financial hubs, managing cost share activities, and serving as a key point of contact for financial reporting. The successful candidate will: Assist academic departments and administrative units in the College in monitoring and managing their financial resources to ensure alignment with allocated budgets Serve as a liaison between College units and the University’s financial hubs, assisting with the resolution of financial and transactional inquiries Support the management and tracking of cost share commitments related to sponsored awards, ensuring accuracy and compliance Serve as a primary point of contact for financial reporting, providing guidance and support to units and leadership Assist in budget and resource data analysis to provide data-driven recommendations and financial insights; gather, compile, and manipulate data; may determine analytical methods to be used Assist in the various components of budget activities; participate in the conceptual development of the various budget processes and specifications for projects Review financial reports to understand and explain variances between budget and actuals for the assigned units in the College; analyze trends in revenues, expenditures, enrollments, and funding sources; ensure appropriate spending and billing practices are being followed Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast, identifying areas of concern or opportunity Participate in the development of financial dashboards and reporting tools for internal stakeholders and senior leadership Assist in the preparation of the annual operating budgets, ensuring alignment with unit and institutional priorities Support compliance with internal policies, external regulations, and audit requirements; oversee audits as required This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• No prior relevant work experience required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
• Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Assist academic departments and administrative units in the College in monitoring and managing their financial resources to ensure alignment with allocated budgets
• Serve as a liaison between College units and the University’s financial hubs, assisting with the resolution of financial and transactional inquiries
• Support the management and tracking of cost share commitments related to sponsored awards, ensuring accuracy and compliance
• Serve as a primary point of contact for financial reporting, providing guidance and support to units and leadership
• Assist in budget and resource data analysis to provide data-driven recommendations and financial insights; gather, compile, and manipulate data; may determine analytical methods to be used
• Assist in the various components of budget activities; participate in the conceptual development of the various budget processes and specifications for projects
• Review financial reports to understand and explain variances between budget and actuals for the assigned units in the College; analyze trends in revenues, expenditures, enrollments, and funding sources; ensure appropriate spending and billing practices are being followed
• Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast, identifying areas of concern or opportunity
• Participate in the development of financial dashboards and reporting tools for internal stakeholders and senior leadership
• Assist in the preparation of the annual operating budgets, ensuring alignment with unit and institutional priorities
• Support compliance with internal policies, external regulations, and audit requirements; oversee audits as required

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees