Financial Planning Analyst - Smeal College of Business

Penn State University • Ferguson Township, PA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Financial Planning Analyst supports the business unit and Strategic Financial Partner in the Smeal College of Business by providing 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; advises unit leaders on budget management and financial controls; provides in-depth financial analysis, forecasting, and budget modeling; plays a key role in supporting long-term financial planning efforts and ensuring effective resource allocation aligns with the University’s mission, strategic goals, and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will: Collaborate 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 Oversee assigned components of budget activities; participate in the conceptual development of the various budget processes and specifications for projects Prepare and review department financial reports to understand and explain variances between budget and actuals; 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 Provide financial analyses for new initiatives, program reviews, and business plans, including ROI and cost-benefit assessments Assist in the preparation of the annual operating budgets, ensuring alignment with unit and institutional priorities Manage workforce planning and labor distribution for assigned business area(s); assist with annual salary increase program execution 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 members, including hiring, development, and performance management May serve as point of contact for sponsored research in college 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

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including consultative skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to adapt and change in a fast-paced environment
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with reporting
• High degree of self-direction, including the ability to multi-task and meet multiple deadlines at short notice
• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• None

Nice To Haves

• Experience with enterprise systems technologies and products such as SAP S/4HANA, Concur, Workday, Power BI, and MS Office 365 is desirable

Responsibilities

• Collaborate in budget and resource data analysis to provide data-driven recommendations and financial insights
• Oversee assigned components of budget activities
• Prepare and review department financial reports to understand and explain variances between budget and actuals
• 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
• Provide financial analyses for new initiatives, program reviews, and business plans, including ROI and cost-benefit assessments
• Assist in the preparation of the annual operating budgets, ensuring alignment with unit and institutional priorities
• Manage workforce planning and labor distribution for assigned business area(s)
• Support compliance with internal policies, external regulations, and audit requirements
• Partner with other university offices to ensure consistent data sources and accurate financial projections
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management
• May serve as point of contact for sponsored research in college

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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees