Budget Planner - Budget and Finance Operations

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; Whitewater (WI); On-site; USD 58,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is seeking a Budget Planner I in Budget and Finance Operations to support the annual budget process, forecasting, and analysis. The role coordinates with campus staff and UW System to ensure accurate reporting and compliant budgeting.

Responsibilities include preparing budgets, performing data analyses, training staff on standards, and serving as a liaison for budget data requests. Strong communication and attention to detail are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree from an accredited institution, preferably in Accounting, Business, Economics, Finance or related field.
• Three years’ experience working with financial and/or other complex data.
• Experience providing customer support in a professional setting.

Responsibilities

• Analyze budget and financial data and reconcile all funding sources.
• Develop operating budgets and short/long-term projections.
• Coordinate with UW System, department budget managers, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare reports and conduct special research for the Budget Director.
• Maintain budget standards and train staff on reporting methodologies.
• Assist in budget development and data requests.

Education

Associate’s Degree in Accounting/Business/Finance

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Position Title

Budget Planner - Budget and Finance Operations

Job Category

Academic Staff

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Budget Planner I

Job Duties

Attention: The Department of Budget Planning and Analysis in the Division of Administrative Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Budget Planner (BUDGET PLANNER I, FN013).

The Budget Planner I reports to the University Budget Director and assists with the overall development of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater budget. Responsibilities include but are not limited to budget preparation, forecasting, analysis and review of general expenditures and program operations, and conducting specialized audits. The position will act as a liaison with the University of Wisconsin System, departmental directors, institutional budget managers, and other key stakeholders in the finalization of the annual budget process.

The position will maintain and improve UW Whitewater Standards for accounting and reporting, including the methodologies by which College/Department budgets are managed. The position will advise and train college/department staff on the use of these standards to ensure accurate reporting of campus budget activity as a means of advancing continued improvement of campus operations.

Responsibilities

This position will compile, monitor and analyze budget and financial data, and reconcile all funding sources at UW-Whitewater. The position will provide a variety of statistical data analysis and policy review of operations. The position will work with the financial system, budget system, query tools and various spreadsheets. Additionally, the position will be responsible for but not limited to the following:

• Assist with the annual preparation of UW-Whitewater's budget by reviewing and organizing/reorganizing budgets submitted by Deans/division officers for submission to UW System.
• Assist with the preparation of UW-Whitewater's forecast events by reviewing and campus year-to-date and prior year trends to develop the forecast event. Central forecasts are reviewed with deans/division officers and campus leadership prior to submission to UW System.
• Assist with the review of department financial and personnel operations (i.e. salaries and FTE), including but not limited to reconciling operating and salary budgets.
• Serve as the Budget Office liaison for personnel requests.
• Maintain position assignments, and provide information and reports as needed to the Budget Director as needed to help ensure compliance with position authority allocations.
• Assist the Budget Director in special projects or initiatives.
• Coordinate the gathering of budget data for submission to UW System, including acting as a training liaison for departmental budget development.
• Input and reconcile operating budgets for all fund sources, and facilitate budget and revenue transfers as necessary.
• Assist in developing and implementing new processes and procedures for various areas as they pertain to budget.
• Maintain a current web page including relevant links and information.
• Use query tools for financial and personnel data to prepare reports and assist in internal and external data requests.
• Conduct special research and reporting projects for the Budget Director and other senior leaders, and format results for presentation.
• Other duties as assigned.

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Analyzes, identifies, and makes recommendations for cost savings and funding options in alignment with working unit strategic initiatives and unit objectives

• Conducts program and budget research, analyzes data, and prepares complex financial reports in accordance with established procedures and regulations

• Assists in the development of operating policies and procedures to comply with regulations, institutional policies, and unit objectives

• Develops and monitors budgets and short and long-term budgetary projections

• Serves as a point of contact for staff providing budgetary information and guidance, answering questions, and responding to inquiries

Department

Budget Planning and Analysis

Compensation

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary of $58,000 commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications.

UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree from an accredited institution, preferably in Accounting, Business, Economics, Finance, or related field
• Three years’ experience working with financial and/or other complex data
• Experience providing customer support in a professional setting

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution, preferably in Accounting, Business, Economics, Finance or related field
• Financial or budget experience, with working knowledge of budgeting practices, in a university or non-profit setting, with a preference for candidates with knowledge of UW-System policies and procedures
• Experience working with complex financial systems
• Familiarity with Fund Accounting concepts
• Experience with training and/or coordinating large projects in a complex organization

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to an inclusive campus environment
• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations, including necessary training and drills

Contact Information

If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail].

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Trisha Barber

[e-mail]

To Ensure Consideration

Applications received by October 21st, 2026, are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

CAMPUS INFORMATION

UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world‑class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university’s 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs — online and in person — from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first‑generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university’s arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division‑III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities — a priority mission since the 1970s.

UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin’s Park Place.

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus Universities of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a).

Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.

For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. If you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.

UW IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.