Overview
This role is a Principal Analyst position within the Financial Planning and Analysis division at a major academic institution. Reporting to the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, the position provides strategic oversight and expert guidance on financial and resource planning across multiple departments and programs. The role involves managing complex, multi-source budgets including state funds, student fees, grants, gifts, endowments, auxiliary income, and other revenue streams.
Responsibilities
- Conduct complex financial analyses to assess past performance and forecast future financial outcomes.
- Lead development and maintenance of long-range financial models and business plans.
- Prepare detailed analyses for operating, capital, and auxiliary budgets to support strategic decision-making.
- Perform scenario analyses to evaluate potential financial impacts and inform leadership decisions.
- Serve as a divisional expert on fund management, financial policies, and internal controls.
- Coordinate annual budget planning processes across assigned departments, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Develop revenue and expenditure projections, monitor budget performance, and recommend reallocations as needed.
- Advise department leaders on financial and operational implications of their decisions.
- Design and implement internal control procedures to safeguard institutional assets.
- Ensure compliance with university, state, and federal financial policies and regulations.
- Develop and support financial systems, reporting tools, dashboards, and automation initiatives to enhance data clarity and decision-making.
- Provide fiscal support for capital projects, space planning, and major maintenance activities.
- Manage personnel budgets, including salary provisions, reclassifications, and hiring transactions.
- Support strategic initiatives, participate in committees, and lead special projects related to financial planning.
- Train and guide unit budget analysts and administrative staff to ensure best practices in financial management.
- Foster a collaborative, customer-focused team environment committed to operational excellence.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Proven ability to independently analyze complex financial data from multiple sources.
- Exceptional communication skills, capable of presenting complex financial information clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
- Advanced proficiency in spreadsheet, database, and financial analysis software tools.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels.
- Critical thinking skills with meticulous attention to detail.
- Demonstrated service orientation and ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume environment.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work collaboratively within a team setting.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience as a financial analyst or in a similar analytical role.
Compensation & Benefits
- Full benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement plan options with employer contributions.
- Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Professional development opportunities and tuition remission programs.
- Flexible work arrangements supporting work-life balance.
- Access to institutional resources, wellness programs, and employee assistance services.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The employer is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories. Affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts are undertaken in accordance with applicable laws and policies to ensure equitable employment opportunities for everyone.