Financial Planning Analyst

Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University in University Park, PA, seeks a Financial Planning Analyst to provide oversight and expert guidance on budget matters within the Eberly College of Science. The role emphasizes data-driven insights, forecasting, and strategic financial planning to ensure resources align with institutional priorities.

The successful candidate will develop models, analyze variances, support dashboards for leadership, and contribute to annual budgets and workforce planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 6+ years of relevant experience
• No required certifications
• Experience in budgeting and financial analysis preferred

Responsibilities

• 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
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Skills

Budget analysis

Forecasting

Financial modeling

Variance analysis

ROI analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Financial Planning Analyst supports the business unit and Strategic Financial Partner in the Eberly College of Science by providing oversight and expert guidance to unit leaders on budget and financial matters; serves as a subject matter expert in one or more budget or fiscal-related areas; advises unit leaders on budget management and financial controls; provides in-depth financial analysis, forecasting, and budget modeling; plays a key role in supporting long-term financial planning efforts and ensuring effective resource allocation aligns with the university’s mission, strategic goals, and regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate will:

• 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
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Finance Planning Analyst - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Finance Planning Analyst - Advanced Professional, 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.

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.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

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.

EEO IS THE LAW

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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