Financial Planning Analyst

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Budget Planning & Analysis

Time Type:

Full time

Work Modality:

Hybrid 02 (On Campus 2 days/Week)

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Executive Director of University Budget Planning and Analysis, this position plans, reviews, and supervises the financial and budget planning and analysis necessary to facilitate operational and strategic decision making within the university. Specifically, this position will interpret budget and program proposals, line-item submissions, create budget models, forecasts, and establish means to implement effective procedures to achieve budgetary compliance and assist in meeting strategic financial objectives of the institution. Additionally, this position will work with units across campus (Provost, University Budget Office, Office of Student Accounts, Auxiliary Services, Schools/Colleges, etc.) to ensure optimal understanding and implementation of financial practices.

Essential Functions:

• Financial Reporting & Analysis: Plans, reviews, and supervises the management of a wide range of finance and budget activities relating to financial reporting and analysis of current, historical, variance, and predictive financial data within the university. Assists Director with creation and maintenance of short, medium, and long term financial and budget models and analysis for use in institutional planning.

• Benchmarking & Key Performance Indicators: Conducts University financial benchmarking to include maintenance of key performance indicators, metrics, market research, and best practices for use in University financial and budget processes.

• Financial Systems & Oversight: Oversees Adaptive Planning system for budget model development and report management. Assists users in the use and functions of existing and new functionalities of the Adaptive system. Develop models and reports in Adaptive Planning as needed for evolving business needs.

• Financial Resource Management, Evaluation & Communication: Provides real-time financial performance monitoring and reporting. Evaluates resource allocations across the institution to assist in strategic resource allocation and expense management. Provides information and recommendations to Director on areas of potential optimization and efficiency. Develops supporting documents, information, and project-based analysis to support presentations for the University community and leadership

• Other duties and/or special projects as assigned by the Executive Director of Budget Planning & Analysis.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-Time.

Salary Range:

• $80,000-$90,000/year, commensurate with experience.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field. Or equivalent education, training and experience.

• 3-5 years of relevant experience or a combination of education and experience, preferably in higher education.

• Must have the ability to work independently as well as in a group setting.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in a financial role within a higher education institution.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Accounting: General understanding or familiarity with accounting principles, and the application of accounting theories, concepts, and standards to the financial activities of an organization.

• Financial Analysis: Skill preparing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting financial data; operating, maintaining, and modifying accounting systems; using accounting information to analyze financial performance, conduct trend analysis, and recommend solutions to management problems. Assist in the creation, operation, and management of cost accounting systems and financial analysis in connection with business activities, designing, implementing, and assessing internal control processes and systems.

• Financial Reporting: Skill interpreting, recording, and reporting financial transactions, and providing this financial information for planning actions and/or evaluating performance.

• Internal Controls: Skill ensuring that funds are efficiently controlled, that fiduciary reports accurately reflect results of financial operations, and that the statutory requirements to control funds in accord with applicable legislation are properly executed.

• Statistical Analysis: Skill using statistical methods to manipulate data and conduct advanced data analysis applying ANOVA, correlation, regression, cluster, or factor analysis techniques. Ability to conduct trend and predictive analysis for scenario planning.

• Excel Level 2 (Advanced): Mastery of advanced functionality, including Data Validation, Pivot Tables and Charts; use formulas such as INDEX and VLOOKUP, and ability to create logic statements such as IF, AND, OR.

• Standard Office Software: Skill using email, word processing and presentation development software applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint while preparing briefings, reports, and presentations.

• Communication- Advanced: Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely orally and in writing, using language with precision; constructing logical arguments; editing and summarizing; and writing reports or correspondence free of spelling and grammatical errors. Ability to engage in active and empathetic listening and communicate with a service minded orientation.

• Thoroughness in Reviewing Work: Ability work independently and to review one's own and others' work and information to ensure completeness and accuracy; carefully prepare for meetings and presentations; organize information or materials for others; follow up with others to ensure that agreements and commitments have been fulfilled; and set up procedures to ensure high quality of work.

• Discretion, Tact & Diplomacy: Ability to exercise discretion, tact and diplomacy while interacting with students, faculty, university staff, management, and other stakeholders on confidential and/or sensitive matters. Provide two-way communication in providing knowledge transfer to promote shared understanding of financial activities and advocacy for demonstrated institutional and programmatic needs.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.