Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist

Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist

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Reporting to and collaborating with the Finance Manager within the assigned Finance Division, supports the development and monitoring of unit operating budgets, strategic planning, and financial management at the institution.

• Serves as a front-line business partner to unit and institutional financial leaders in the analysis of unit finances, development and execution of financial strategy, and forecasting, planning, monitoring, and adjusting of unit budgets
• Cultivates an expert understanding of unit and institutional needs and context, regularly interacts with unit representatives, works closely with business leaders to coordinate financial activities, and provides a high level of tailored customer service, including specialized strategic support for academic units (including program creation) as needed
• Reviews, approves, and advises on a variety of financial transactions, reconciling these when necessary, and liaises with the appropriate departments in the Financial Operations Center to ensure that business processes are completed promptly, correctly, and in accordance with established policies
• Assists in the development of unit operating budgets, recommends cost savings and funding options in alignment with business units’ strategic initiatives, frequently reviews account expenditures to ensure conformity with budgetary guidelines, and prepares budgetary adjustments and amendments as necessary
• Supports in the preparation of revenue and expense projections and other specialized financial reports and analyses and assists unit representatives in understanding and interpreting financial data
• Fields questions from unit representatives regarding budget and financial planning processes, requirements, policies, and other relevant regulations
• Supports System-wide financial planning as needed through data gathering and recommendations
• Regularly reviews unit financial and budgetary data, identifies and investigates errors and discrepancies, and resolves these through appropriate actions and channels, liaising with other departments and the Financial Operations Center where necessary
• Makes recommendations to financial leaders on internal controls and process improvements
• As needed, prepares and maintains documentation required for internal and external audits, collaborating with the Financial Data Specialist and Policy & Risk Management Specialist, as well as other System and institutional financial leaders
• Maintains knowledge of USNH systems, policies, and procedures related to budget operations and adheres to established standards and protocols
• Performs related duties, as assigned. Associate’s degree in a relevant field required

• 2 or more years professional experience in a field related to finance or accounting
• Working knowledge of basic accounting principles, budget planning and monitoring, and financial analysis
• Ability to interact with standard technology platforms (e.g., word processing, data entry, email, internet browsing, etc.)
• Understanding of and proficiency in navigating computerized financial systems
• Ability to interpret and work with financial data, perform calculations and statistical analyses, and draw conclusion
• Ability to read and understand financial statements, written financial policies and regulations, and other relevant documentation
• Excellent mathematical, organizational, and analytical skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and accurately, both verbal and in writing
• Desire to work in a collaborative environment with System and institutional leaders, as well as colleagues in other financial affairs departments
• Openness to 360-degree feedback and desire to learn and grow continuously
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field strongly preferred
• Additional credentials related to accounting or finance strongly preferred
• Experience operating in a shared service setting preferred
• Experience working for a tax‑exempt organization preferred
• Knowledge of and/or direct experience with Ellucian…