Overview
This role is responsible for higher education (Higher Ed) finance planning and decision support, with a focus on Operating Expense (Opex). You will serve as the primary analytical resource and business partner for Opex planning, reporting, and analysis, maintaining robust models and delivering variance, trend, and actionable insights. A key priority is improving internal FP&A processes for Opex by adding structure, consistency, and efficiency to planning workflows.
Responsibilities
- Act as the primary financial analyst for Operating Expense (Opex), including expense planning, reporting, and analysis
- Perform detailed variance and trend analysis comparing actuals to forecasts and budgets; clearly explain key drivers and discrepancies
- Lead and support ongoing Opex reporting, forecasting, and budgeting processes; contribute to quarterly and annual business planning cycles
- Identify, design, and implement improvements to FP&A processes related to Opex, including streamlining workflows, eliminating inefficiencies, and building scalable, well-documented systems (including automation opportunities)
- Serve as a dedicated finance business partner to assigned non-finance business units, supporting budget development and ongoing spend monitoring; build a high-level understanding of Opex activity across the organization
- Develop and maintain financial models, forecasting tools, and related documentation
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Finance, Accounting, or a comparable quantitative/analytical field preferred
- 5+ years of experience in FP&A, accounting, or a similar finance role
- Significant experience with Opex planning and analysis
- Demonstrated ability to improve, streamline, or rebuild FP&A processes and convert complex, ad hoc workflows into efficient, repeatable systems
- Strong financial modeling skills and advanced Excel proficiency
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to engage with and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA or CPA
- Experience serving as a dedicated finance business partner to non-finance business units
- Deep experience with headcount and compensation expense modeling
- Proficiency with financial planning software, particularly IBM TM1
- Experience with data visualization tools, particularly Power BI
- Experience with working capital and cash flow analysis
- Proven track record of driving process improvements and delivering actionable insights to senior leadership
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $71,300 - $105,000 annually
- Base pay may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location
- A full range of medical and/or other benefits may be provided, depending on the position offered
Location
- Remote position open to applicants authorized to work for any employer within the United States
Job ID
51064