Budget & Systems Analyst

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community-designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution-committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes' Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award.

Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings-preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Budget and Fiscal Planning (AVP), the Budget & Systems Analyst supports all phases of the University's planning and budgeting processes, including development, management, and analysis.

The role is responsible for building and maintaining advanced Excel-based models and assisting with the complex configuration and ongoing support of budget systems within Finance & Administration.

This position works with highly confidential information, including long-range financial plans, salary projections, program changes, capital budgeting strategies, and financial analyses related to special projects.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads the development and maintenance of advanced Excel-based models to support annual budget development and multi-year financial forecasting.
• Performs financial analyses to support the development, management, projection and monitoring of departmental budgets across the University.
• Supports the complex configuration, maintenance, and optimization of budget systems (Workday and new planning system), including maintaining financial structures, developing reports, and troubleshooting system issues.
• Develops dashboards and visual reports to communicate financial trends and insights to leadership.
• Monitors budget-to-actual activity analyze trends and variances and collaborate with the Budget team to identify risks and recommend solutions to campus.
• Assists in the development and implementation of budgeting policies, procedures, and best practices in coordination with the Budget team.
• Supports the development of tools and process improvements that enhance efficiency, including automation and the application of emerging technologies where appropriate.
• Assists in the preparation and submission of the University's annual budget request to the State.
• Develops and delivers training and supporting materials, including guides and videos, to improve user understanding of budgeting processes and systems to campus-wide audiences.
• Maintains and updates Budget Office and system documentation, including procedures, manuals, and process workflows.
• Reviews and processes budget amendments and assists with budget transfers and encumbrance activity to ensure accuracy and compliance with established guidelines.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with campus partners to support budget development and ongoing financial management.
• Participates in divisional and University-wide committees, projects, and initiatives as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field from an accredited University.
• Minimum three (3) years' work experience developing and maintaining advanced excel models, preferably within an institution of higher education.

Competencies/Skills Required

• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain complex…