Financial Strategy and Operations Specialist - Smeal College of Business

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Financial Strategy and Operations Specialist supports the business unit and Strategic Finance Partner in the Smeal College of Business. The role provides oversight and expert guidance to unit leaders on budget and financial matters, serves as a subject matter expert in budget and fiscal-related areas, and advises on budget management and financial controls. It provides in-depth financial analysis, forecasting, and budget modeling, and contributes to long-term financial planning to help ensure effective resource allocation aligns with the University's mission, strategic goals, and regulatory requirements. The position supports budgeting and forecasting, develops financial models and scenario analyses, prepares and reviews reports, monitors financial performance, and provides analysis for initiatives, program reviews, and business plans. It also supports compliance and collaborates with University offices and stakeholders on consistent data, reporting, and projections. The position may supervise a staff member, including training and performance management. The role is intended to support a flexible work environment and may be performed primarily remotely, with periodic on-campus presence as needed. Specific expectations will be discussed during the interview process. The position may be filled at either the Finance Planning Analyst - Senior Professional level, requiring a bachelor's degree and 6+ years of relevant experience, or the Finance Planning Analyst - Advanced Professional level, requiring a bachelor's degree and 3+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
At least 6 years of relevant experience if filled at the Senior Professional level, or at least 3 years of relevant experience if filled at the Advanced Professional level; an equivalent combination of education and experience is accepted for the Advanced Professional level.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting.
Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and variance reporting.
Strong financial management and analytical skills, including the ability to interpret complex financial and operational data and translate it into actionable insights and recommendations for leadership.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, including identifying financial and operational risks, resolving complex issues, and developing and recommending process improvements.
Effective written, verbal, and consultative communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information to diverse audiences.
Ability to build collaborative relationships and serve as a trusted advisor to unit leaders and stakeholders.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive financial information with professionalism and integrity.
Authorization to work in the United States; Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment visa.
Successful completion of standard background checks and a credit history check.

Nice To Haves

Experience with enterprise financial and business systems, including SAP S/4HANA, Concur, Workday, Power BI, and Microsoft 365 applications.

Responsibilities

Support budgeting and forecasting by developing financial projections, preparing budget analyses, and participating in the annual budget process.
Develop financial models, scenario analyses, and long-range forecasts to support strategic planning and decision-making.
Prepare and review departmental financial reports, identify and explain budget-to-actual variances, analyze trends in revenues, expenditures, enrollment, and funding sources, and ensure appropriate spending and billing practices.
Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identifying risks, opportunities, and areas requiring corrective action.
Provide financial analysis for new initiatives, program reviews, and business plans, including return-on-investment and cost-benefit assessments.
Assist with developing and preparing annual operating budgets aligned with unit objectives and institutional priorities.
Support compliance with University policies, external regulations, and audit requirements.
Collaborate with University offices and stakeholders to support consistent data sources, accurate reporting, and reliable financial projections.
May supervise a staff member, including training and performance management.