Director Financial Planning & Analysis

Syracuse University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Syracuse University is seeking a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis to lead financial initiatives supporting the Chief Financial Officer and senior leadership. The role requires building financial models, designing executive dashboards, and ensuring data integrity to enhance decision-making.

This position demands a bachelor's degree and at least seven years of financial management experience, ideally in higher education or complex institutional environments. Strong financial modeling, analytical skills, and effective communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years of progressive financial management experience.
• Advanced skills in financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis.
• Experience in higher education or complex nonprofit organization preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain financial planning models and forecasts.
• Develop executive dashboards and financial reports.
• Track key performance indicators and conduct variance analyses.

Skills

Financial modeling

Forecasting

Data analysis

Budgeting methodologies

Executive dashboard design

Analytical problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business administration

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

Job Overview

The Director of Financial Planning and Analysis is a senior advisor to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and senior leadership on financial performance, trends and risks. This role leads the institution’s financial planning and analysis initiatives, supporting scenario planning, multi‑year forecasting, and critical institutional decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain the OCFO’s suite of financial planning models, including multi‑year forecasts, scenario analyses, sensitivity and stress tests.
• Ensure models are technically rigorous, well‑documented, and structured for clear understanding by senior leadership and the Board.
• Design, develop, and maintain executive dashboards and recurring financial reports that provide real‑time visibility into key financial metrics and strategic goal progress.
• Establish and track key performance indicators, conduct variance analyses, and produce structured reporting to monitor financial performance and identify emerging issues.
• Serve as the integrating financial intelligence function across the University’s finance functions, partnering with finance teams to consolidate data, align assumptions, and build institution‑wide models.
• Lead the financial benchmarking program, analysing the University’s financial position, ratios, and trends relative to peer institutions using IPEDS, NACUBO, and rating agency frameworks.
• Manage ad hoc analytical projects as directed by senior leadership.
• Lead efforts to enhance financial planning processes and systems, implementing best practices and technology solutions to improve efficiency and analytical capabilities.
• Refine reporting tools based on feedback and evolving governance needs.

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field. A master’s degree in a relevant discipline is preferred.
• A minimum of seven years of progressive financial management experience with demonstrated advancement in scope and complexity.
• Advanced skills in financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis; deep knowledge of budgeting methodologies and financial systems.
• Experience in higher education or a complex nonprofit organization is highly desirable; strong candidates from other complex institutional environments will be considered.
• Prior experience supervising or mentoring staff is preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong financial modeling and forecasting skills, including proficiency with pivot tables, macros, and complex formulas.
• Experience designing and implementing executive dashboards using business intelligence tools; familiarity with AI‑powered analytics is highly desirable.
• Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving abilities to identify trends, variances, and anomalies in financial data with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and ability to read and interpret financial statements at deep levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to present financial information to both financial and non‑financial audiences, including board members.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities; maintain high standards of integrity and ethical conduct.
• Commitment to fostering ethical conduct, accountability, and transparency across University operations.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal‑opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment and access to and treatment in University programs, services and activities.