Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist

Ohio State University; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University is seeking a Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist to support budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for the ERIK units. Reporting to the Director of Budget Planning & Analysis, you will monitor cost centers, run multi-year forecasts, and help ensure aligned financial plans in a hybrid on-campus role.

The position requires advanced knowledge of financial principles, collaboration with unit leaders, and experience with university policies and HR alignment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four years of relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and applications.
• Understanding human resource administration and financial alignment.
• Knowledge of university policies, rules and regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepares detailed internal financial reports and multi-year forecasts.
• Presents financial information to ERIK unit leadership for decision-making.
• Prepares and enters assigned budgets in enterprise financial management systems (e.g., Workday Adaptive).
• Provides consultation and guidance to unit fiscal representatives and enforces financial compliance policies.
• Participates in meetings with unit fiscal representatives and leadership to build consensus.
• Resolves financial and operating problems with appropriate parties and escalates as needed.
• Supports ERIK-wide budget projects under the Director of Budget Planning and Analysis.
• Recommends process enhancements to improve financial and operational outcomes.
• Ensures procurement and personnel expenditures align with approved budget plans.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Accounting principles

HR administration and financial align

University policies knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Workday Adaptive

Job description

Job Title

Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist

Department

ERIK | Administration

Position Overview

The Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist functions as a fully experienced financial professional responsible for independently supporting financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting activities for assigned Enterprise for Research, Innovation, and Knowledge (ERIK) units under the direction of the Director of Budget Planning & Analysis.

The role applies advanced knowledge of financial principles to successfully monitor assigned cost center funds, personnel, annual financial plans, and budget-to-actual fiscal performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepares detailed internal financial reports and multi-year forecasts.
• Presents financial information routinely to ERIK unit leadership to support informed decision-making.
• Prepares and enters assigned budgets in enterprise financial management systems (e.g., Workday Adaptive) and report templates ensuring accuracy and adherence to established guidelines and funding allocations.
• Provides consultation and guidance to unit fiscal representatives and implements financial compliance policies and procedures as appropriate according to university and internal policy, escalating complex requests beyond established authority to supervisor.
• With the director, participates in meetings with unit level fiscal representatives and leadership. Works to build consensus with all stakeholders.
• Resolves financial and operating problems with appropriate party, escalating complex issues to the Director.
• Supports ERIK-wide budget projects under direction of Director of Budget Planning and Analysis.
• Provides recommendations for process enhancements and supports implementation of initiatives that improve financial and operational outcomes.
• Works closely with the financial operations team to ensure procurement and personnel expenditures align approved budget plans.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Level Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four years of relevant work experience.
• Considerable business experience in an administrative capacity.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and applications
• Considerable experience in understanding human resource administration and financial alignment
• Knowledge of university policies, rules and regulations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Five or more years of relevant working experience.
• Considerable experience in budget control and fund accounting.
• Considerable experience with University HR and Financial systems.
• Considerable experience with spreadsheet, word processing, database, and presentation software.
• Leadership and project management experience.

Application Materials

A resume and cover letter are required to be submitted at the time of application to be considered for this position.

Salary

The pay range for this job profile is $65,600 - $85,200. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on multiple factors including internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.

Work Location

This is a hybrid position, working 2-3 days per week on campus.

Additional Information

Ohio State will not sponsor applicants for a work visa for this position.

ERIK Overview

Join the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) at The Ohio State University and become a part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation. ERIK positions Ohio State to expand curiosity-driven research and creative expression, further develop our research community of faculty, staff, and students, and grow the innovation ecosystem to address big challenges and improve communities locally and globally. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit h