Financial Planning Analyst
About The Position
The Financial Planning Analyst supports the business unit and Strategic Financial Partner in the Eberly College of Science. The role provides oversight and expert guidance to unit leaders on budget and financial matters, serves as a subject matter expert in one or more budget or fiscal-related areas, and advises leaders on budget management and financial controls. The analyst conducts in-depth financial analysis, forecasting, and budget modeling; supports long-term financial planning; and helps ensure effective resource allocation aligns with the university’s mission, strategic goals, and regulatory requirements. The position offers a flexible work arrangement combining remote and on-campus work. Approval of remote or hybrid work is not guaranteed. Depending on the level at which the position is filled, the role requires a bachelor’s degree and either six or more years of relevant experience for the Senior Professional level, or three or more years of relevant experience for the Advanced Professional level; an equivalent combination of education and experience is accepted for the latter. No certifications are required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree.
- For the Senior Professional level: six or more years of relevant experience.
- For the Advanced Professional level: three or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Successful completion of required background checks.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States; Penn State does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of staff employment visas.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate in analyzing budget and resource data to provide data-driven recommendations and financial insights; gather, compile, and manipulate data, and determine analytical methods when appropriate.
- Develop, maintain, and refine financial models for long-range planning and scenario analysis.
- Oversee assigned components of budget activities and participate in developing budget processes and project specifications.
- Review financial reports, explain budget-to-actual variances, analyze trends in revenues, expenditures, enrollments, and funding sources, and ensure appropriate spending and billing practices.
- Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identifying areas of concern or opportunity.
- Participate in developing financial dashboards and reporting tools for internal stakeholders and senior leadership.
- Provide financial analyses for new initiatives, program reviews, and business plans, including return-on-investment and cost-benefit assessments.
- Assist with preparing annual operating budgets and aligning them with unit and institutional priorities.
- Manage workforce planning and labor distribution for assigned business areas and assist with executing the annual salary increase program.
- Support compliance with internal policies, external regulations, and audit requirements; oversee audits as required.
- Partner with other university offices to ensure consistent data sources and accurate financial projections.
- May supervise staff, including hiring, development, and performance management.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Retirement plans.
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
- 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
