Senior Financial Planning and Analysis Specialist

USNH Employees should apply within Workday through the Jobs Hub app

Collaborating with Finance Division leadership, the position serves as a senior FP&A staff, providing expert support for the development and monitoring of unit operating budgets, strategic planning, and financial management at the institution

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• 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, adjusting of unit budgets, and as lead point of contact for one or more complex administrative or academic units, as determined by Finance Division leadership
• Operates with significant autonomy and fields complex and technical questions from unit representatives regarding budget and financial planning processes, requirements, policies, and other relevant regulations
• 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 financial transactions ranging from standard to complex, 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
• Supports financial functions that require advanced, technical financial expertise
• Supports onboarding and training of Financial Planning & Analysis Specialists and serves as a peer leader
• 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
• 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 other Division employees, 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 Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required
  
  

Required Minimum Qualifications

• 3 or more years professional experience in a field related to finance, accounting, or a related field; additional certifications or degree programs above and beyond the minimum education requirement may be substituted year-for-year for prior work experience
• Detailed 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
• Expertise in understanding and analyzing financial statements, written financial policies and regulations, and other relevant documentation
• Excellent mathematical, organizational, and analytical skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to perform complex finance operations independently with minimal guidance or supervision
• 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
• Advanced degree related to accounting or finance preferred
• Experience training and onboarding employees on financial related duties
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating in a shared service setting preferred
• Experience working for a tax-exempt organization preferred
• Knowledge of and/or direct experience with Ellucian Banner systems preferred
• Additional credentials for finance (e.g., Certified Financial Analyst) preferred
  
  

Required Applicant Materials

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for 3 Professional References
  
  

Plymouth State University offers high-quality baccalaureate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs. Through research and innovative community partnerships, the University contributes to the economic, social, cultural, and environmental development of the North Country and Lakes Region of New Hampshire and beyond.

Plymouth State University (PSU) is transforming the campus to create a first-of-its-kind university holistically organized around integrated clusters. Our goal is to provide a dynamic interdisciplinary and innovative learning environment. Students, faculty, staff, and community will connect to solve real-world challenges that will benefit people and organizations at all levels. We are a residential and comprehensive university with a warm and engaged learning community focused on teaching excellence and regional engagement. The University is located in the heart of the Lakes Region and White Mountains of New Hampshire and serves approximately 4,300 undergraduate and more than 2,000 graduate students.

Surrounded by lakes and mountains, PSU’s 170-acre campus provides students with an outstanding natural laboratory for learning and an ideal setting for outdoor recreation. PSU has consistently earned national recognition for its commitment to community service, environmental sustainability, academic excellence, and employee wellness.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Location:

Plymouth

Salary Grade

Exempt Staff 20