Financial Planning & Budgeting Partner

WPI•Worcester, MA

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Financial Planning & Budgeting Partner supports the university’s financial planning, budgeting, and reporting functions by maintaining financial data, performing analysis, and partnering with departments to support informed decision-making. Working within the FP&A office, this role contributes to budget and forecasting processes, ensures data integrity across financial systems, and delivers timely, accurate reporting and insights. This position reports to the Director of Financial Planning & Budgeting and plays a key role in supporting financial operations while contributing to continuous improvement in processes and systems. This is a hybrid role with an expectation of three days on-site per week.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
Experience with financial planning and analysis (FP&A) processes, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
Proficiency in financial systems such as Adaptive Planning and Workday.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to partner effectively with various departments.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education finance.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

Support annual budget development and quarterly forecasting through data collection, validation, and system entry (e.g., Adaptive, Workday).
Prepare and analyze routine financial reports, including budget-to-actuals, variance analysis, and non-operating fund tracking; identify trends and escalate key insights.
Process and support operating and capital budget adjustments, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation.
Maintain accuracy and integrity of financial data across systems, including operating, capital, and position budgets.
Monitor and reconcile financial data, including vacancy savings and fixed-term position tracking.
Generate standard and ad hoc reports to support departmental and institutional needs.
Troubleshoot data discrepancies and collaborate with stakeholders to resolve issues.
Perform recurring financial analysis to identify variances, trends, and risks, and provide preliminary recommendations.
Support scenario planning and forecasting by preparing and validating data and assumptions.
Assist in developing materials for presentations, reports, and planning discussions.
Serve as a primary financial contact for assigned departments, providing guidance on budget performance and financial processes.
Respond to financial inquiries and support departments in understanding reports and budgets.
Partner with departments to gather financial information and support planning and reporting needs.
Provide basic training on financial systems, reports, and budget processes.
Identify and recommend improvements to reporting, data integrity, and financial processes.
Assist in documenting procedures to promote consistency and transparency.
Support implementation of process improvements, automation, and system enhancements.
Contribute to special projects and ad hoc analyses.
Perform other duties as assigned.