Budget Analyst

Penn State University; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Budget Analyst to enhance strategic decision-making through advanced financial analysis. This role involves budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for various business areas, utilizing tools like Microsoft Excel and SAP. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively within a dynamic team. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this innovative office offers a flexible work arrangement, combining remote and on-campus work. Join a team dedicated to supporting the university's mission while advancing your career in a values-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's degree and 1+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with SAP Financials is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Participate in budget activities and financial analyses for leadership.
• Work with finance professionals and assist with budgeting systems.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Critical Thinking

Communication Skills

Customer Service Skills

Organizational Skills

Confidentiality

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

1+ years of relevant experience

Additional education/experience for Advanced level

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel)

SAP Financials

Anaplan budgeting system

SIMBA accounting system

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Penn State University Office of Budget and Finance is seeking a Budget Analyst to join our dynamic and innovative team where advanced financial analytical experience will help drive strategic decision-making and support the financial landscape of multiple business areas within Penn State. This position is initially intended to be responsible for budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analysis utilizing the financial data for World Campus, Office of the General Counsel, and Office of Government and Community Relations.

The Budget Analyst will:

• Participate in budget activities offering suggested process and system improvements
• Participate in planning and implementation of the annual operating budget, forecasting and reforecasting efforts, salary increase and planning processes, and other key financial management tasks
• Participate in preparation and development of financial analyses for university and business area leadership, present data analyses with potential solutions and ensuring data consistency
• Participate in the development of support information for the Board of Trustees; to include PowerPoint presentations, spreadsheets, narratives etc.
• Work with finance professionals from various business areas; including assistance with navigation of SIMBA (System for Integrated Management, Budgeting, and Accounting) accounting system and the Anaplan budgeting system
• Participate in planning, design and implementation of new procedures, systems, and software
• Serve on committees and task forces as needed

Required skills and experience:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Ability to prioritize/plan daily activities
• Integrity, professionalism, and exceptional organizational skills
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Ability to build strong working relationships across the University and externally
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Detail-oriented and able to work in a changing and team environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with strong skills in Excel required

This position will be filled at the Intermediate or Advanced Professional level, depending on the qualifications of the successful candidate, and minimally requires a Bachelor's degree plus 1+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience for the Intermediate Professional level. Additional education and/or experience is required for the Advanced Professional level. A degree in Accounting, Finance, or other analytical or business-related field is preferred. Experience with SAP Financials and SAP Budget and Planning for Public Sector is a plus.

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.

Penn State is embarking on a project to restructure the University’s financial functions to move towards a centralized, service hub-based structure. This position is intended to initially support the unit(s) and functions listed in this posting; however, it is expected to evolve over time relative to the overall restructuring. Questions about this project should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Finance and Business is a values-driven organization that supports thousands of university faculty, staff, and students, while also providing services to the broader community and society. The Office of Budget and Finance is part of the Finance and Business team and has a vision to recruit, develop and retain outstanding people who efficiently provide exceptional service in support of Penn State’s teaching, research and public service missions. Our values model those of Penn State's and we firmly believe in the value of Respect, which encourages us to "respect and honor the dignity of each person, embrace civil discourse, and foster a diverse and inclusive community." As an incoming team member in the Office of Budget and Finance, it will be expected that all employees embody and model Penn State’s and Finance and Business's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is: $56,200.00 - $102,300.00

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.