Financial Planning Analyst

Langara College • Lexington, MA

4d • $34 - $39

About The Position

The Financial Planning Analyst provides guidance, advice and training to a portfolio of departments and academic areas in various aspects of the development of their budgets, forecasts and costing models. The analyst explains complex financial data, cultivates understanding of the College’s budget and planning process, and ensures compliance with College financial policy. This position also conducts analyses of historical, current and proposed financial information to determine trends and financial impact to the College. In addition, this role also prepares College reports, analyses, and forecasts for internal use and for external Ministry compliance purposes.

Requirements

• Completion of a two (2) year diploma in accounting or relevant discipline.
• Enrolment in the CPA PEP program and actively working towards completion.
• Minimum Two (2) years of progressive audit, tax, advisory, budget and/or financial analysis experience, with preference for prior experience as an analyst in public practice, large corporate or public sector environment.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience using enterprise resource planning software and other systems, such as Banner, Oracle, Workday, and Adaptive Planning.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with MS Office.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to explain clearly and concisely complex financial concepts.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Strong understanding of financial information and accounting concepts.
• Ability to create, develop and maintain complex spreadsheets and prepare related analyses.
• Strong research, analytical and problem solving skills.
• Strong math and database skills.
• Ability to work effectively with the rest of the Financial Planning and Analysis team.
• Ability to work independently on assigned projects with minimal guidance.
• Ability to prepare accurate financial plans and reports within mandated deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively with Cost Centre Managers and various other groups within the College.

Responsibilities

• Provides guidance and advice and explains complex financial data to a portfolio of service departments and academic areas for their budget. This includes assisting them with the development and validation of financial and position budgets, investigating variances and updating budgets and forecasts. Trains Cost Centre Managers in the use of financial templates and other planning tools.
• Reviews budget documents, forecast worksheets and variance analyses received from Cost Centre Managers checking for completeness and accuracy. Investigates discrepancies and follows up with Cost Centre Managers upon own initiative. Consolidates Cost Centre Manager financial templates into the College’s consolidated budget, variance analysis and forecast models.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Cost Centre Managers, other employees and external agencies in order to develop budgets, forecasts and costing models and communicate College Financial Policy.
• Works jointly with Human Resources and Cost Centre Managers to update employee position related information and budgets.
• Maintains financial models (e.g. budget and forecasting models) and templates as required. Calculates and recommends key inputs to the planning process such as forecasted USD exchange rates, forecasted fringe benefit rates, planned faculty workload, standard workload unit costs, and estimated general wage increase costs.
• Conducts analysis of historical and current financial data to identify variances and recommend proposed budget changes. Calculates the impact of proposed budget changes. Reports on trends and financial impact to the College.
• Analyzes and monitors the College’s position salary plan versus projected costs and identifies potential surpluses and deficits. Investigates variances and recommends adjustments to the College’s forecast to the Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis.
• Prepares and distributes regular and ad hoc financial reports and other information to Cost Centre Managers and the Executive Leadership Team to guide decision making.
• Ensures all requests to create new positions or transfer budget are authorized appropriately and are sufficiently documented to comply with College policy.
• Under the guidance of the Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis, completes Government Reporting Entity (GRE) report templates on behalf of the College.
• Assists Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis with estimating the cost of College strategic initiatives and incorporating them into the College’s financial plan.
• Assists with system and data integrity testing after upgrades to the enterprise resource planning system and other software.
• Assists with creating new reports, scorecards and key performance indicators as required.
• Researches and analyses external datasets for use with internal reporting.
• Performs additional duties and participates in projects as required.

Benefits

• Extensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
• Generous vacation package plus paid time off during college winter closure (1 week in December)
• Employer paid defined benefit pension plan
• Potential eligibility for educational, training, and developmental programs
• Access to on-site daycare subject to availability
• Tuition waivers for courses at Langara College, subject to space availability
• Course/program tuition reimbursements
• Wellness classes and campus engagement events

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree