Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist

Ohio State University; United States; Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off and holidays

State retirement plan

Job summary

The Ohio State University is seeking a Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist to independently support budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for ERIK units under the Director of Budget Planning & Analysis. The role requires advanced financial knowledge to monitor cost centers, annual plans, and budget-to-actual performance.

The position emphasizes collaboration with unit fiscal representatives, ensuring compliance, and driving financial improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four years of relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and applications.
• Experience with HR administration and financial alignment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed internal financial reports and multi-year forecasts.
• Present financial information to ERIK unit leadership for decision-making.
• Enter budgets in enterprise financial systems (e.g., Workday Adaptive) and ensure accuracy.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Workday Adaptive

Job description

Job Title: Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist

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.

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 https://erik.osu.edu/.

Position Mapping

Function: Finance Subfunction: Financial Operations Career Level: S3 Location: University Square South (1032) Position Type: Regular Scheduled Hours: 40 Shift: First Shift

Background Check

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

Company Culture

We offer roles and growth opportunities in countless fields and specialties — including a job that’s right for you.

As Buckeyes, we accomplish more together. No matter your role, you’ll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care. Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit. We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers. We’re a team of dedicated colleagues with access to boundless resources that support you.