Financial Operations Planner

Penn State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Financial Operations Planner to support the Office of Budget and Finance, partnering with a Strategic Finance Partner to guide units with financial analysis and decision support.

The role offers a flexible hybrid arrangement, with two days in the office per week and additional hybrid options based on business needs. The position emphasizes collaboration, data analysis, and long-range planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 6+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
• Bachelor's Degree with 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with program coordinators and HR to submit supplemental pay and labor distribution.
• Maintain lists of course buyouts, non-instructional pay, and process position budgeting.
• Analyze budget data, gather and manipulate data, and determine analytical methods to use.
• Develop, maintain, and refine financial models for long-range planning and scenario analysis.
• Oversee budget activities, contribute to budget processes and project specifications.
• Review reports to explain variances between budget and actuals and analyze trends.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Data analysis

Forecasting

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

This position invites applications for the role of a Financial Operations Planner with the Pennsylvania State University Office of Budget and Finance. The role supports the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications and the Schreyer Honors College (SHC) by partnering closely with a Strategic Finance Partner to provide financial guidance, analysis, and decision support to unit leadership.

Additional Information

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. The standard expectation is two days per week in the office; however, flexibility is supported in weeks where this cadence is not feasible, based on business needs and coordination with the team. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Human Resources Consultant, and Graduate Coordinator to submit instructional supplemental pay, adjunct appointments, and labor distribution
• Maintain lists of course buyouts, non-instructional, temp additional pay, and process position budgeting
• Collaborate in budget and resource data analysis to provide data-driven recommendations and financial insights; gather, compile, and manipulate data; may determine analytical methods to be used
• Develop, maintain, and refine financial models to support long-range planning and scenario analysis
• Oversee assigned components of budget activities; participate in the conceptual development of the various budget processes and specifications for projects
• Review financial reports to understand and explain variances between budget and actuals; analyze trends in revenues, expenditures, enrollments, and funding sources; ensure appropriate spending and billing practices are being followed
• Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast, identifying areas of concern or opportunity
• Participate in the development of financial dashboards and reporting tools for internal stakeholders and senior leadership
• Provide financial analyses for new initiatives, program reviews, and business plans, including ROI and cost-benefit assessments
• Assist in the preparation of the annual operating budgets, ensuring alignment with unit and institutional priorities
• Manage workforce planning and labor distribution for assigned business area(s); assist with annual salary increase program execution
• Support compliance with internal policies, external regulations, and audit requirements; oversee audits as required
• Partner with other university offices to ensure consistent data sources and accurate financial projections
• Will supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• If filled as Finance Planning Analyst - Senior Supervisor, this position requires:
  • Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
  • Required Certifications: None
• If filled as Finance Planning Analyst - Supervisor, this position requires:
  • Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
  • Required Certifications: None

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

• The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $65,508.00 - $108,444.00.
• Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure.
• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
• For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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