Financial Planning Analyst - University Press

Position Specifics

The Pennsylvania State University Office of Budget and Finance invites applications for the position of a Financial Planning Analyst to support financial operations of the University. This position will support the Penn State University Press (PSUP), a scholarly publishing division of the University Libraries. This position is based in vibrant and beautiful University Park, Pennsylvania, and it offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a globally respected university press.

The Financial Planning Analyst will report to the Strategic Finance Partner (SFP) as a member of the Financial Planning, Analysis, and Coordination (FPAC) team. This position will support the University Libraries, with a primary focus on the Penn State University Press (PSUP). The analyst supports the unit and the SFP by providing oversight of budget, fiscal matters, and works closely with the Press's Executive Director, Press Managers and Supervisors, and other members of the FPAC team.

Duties and responsibilities include advising departments on budget management, financial controls and policy and procedure; coordinating training for employees working with unit budgets; establishing, documenting, and implementing processes, procedures, systems, and standards for the efficient operation of PSUP.

Support of PSUP includes interfacing with the Press Managers and Supervisors on budgetary issues related to their areas; entering author contracts into a royalties system; receiving, analyzing and processing sales reports from vendors; preparing royalty payment calculations; and advising the Press Director on publishing industry-specific business arrangements and contracts. This position will be the first point of contact to assist in the research and resolution related to complex financial/process questions.

• Oversee the Press Accounts Payable processing, which includes answering questions related to purchase orders, invoices, P-Card purchases, and travel expenditures
• Serve as a resource and liaison between the unit and Financial Shared Services Hubs
• Review business transactions for proper accounting treatment and ensure compliance with PSU policies
• Oversee the processing and payment of royalties to authors, editors, and rights holders on behalf of the Press
• Enter author contracts in InOrder and perform contract audit for compliance with royalty calculations
• Prepare monthly financial summary reports and other reports as needed
• Reconciliation and management of operating budget; make adjustments as needed and resolve problems
• Compile and maintain data for analysis and forecasting purposes; run reports as needed
• Prepare routine journal entries as well as complex correcting entries when needed
• Assist with annual processes, including inventory valuation, accounts receivable analysis and operating budget preparation

Previous work in publishing finances is preferred but not mandatory. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, as is proficiency working inside of the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Microsoft Excel.

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.

• Bachelor's Degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience
• Required
  
  Certifications:
  
  None

PSU Press is renowned for publishing groundbreaking scholarly books across its three imprints:

• Penn State University Press, scholarship in the arts and humanities and regional trade titles
• Eisenbrauns, specialist publications in biblical studies, ancient Near Eastern studies, archaeology, ancient languages, and Islamic studies
• Graphic Mundi, trade graphic novels for general readers on important topics

Additionally, PSU Press is home to a robust journals publishing program comprised of more than 80 titles and more than 175 issues annually.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with…