POSITION SPECIFICSThe Pennsylvania State University
Office of Budget and Finance invites applications for the position of a
Financial Operations Planner. This role supports the Office of Budget and Finance and Central Finance and Business units by partnering closely with a Strategic Finance Partner to provide financial guidance, analysis, and decision support to unit leadership.
The Financial Operations Planner plays a key role in advancing financial planning and resource allocation efforts by contributing to budgeting, forecasting, and analytical activities. This position supports the development of financial insights and recommendations that inform strategic decision-making and help ensure alignment with the University's mission, priorities, and regulatory requirements.
Key ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will:
- Partner with a Strategic Finance Partner to support unit leadership through financial analysis, reporting, and decision support
- Collaborate on budget and resource analysis, gathering and analyzing data to support data-driven recommendations and financial insights
- Develop, maintain, and enhance financial models to support forecasting, long-range planning, and scenario analysis
- Support components of budget development and execution; contribute to the improvement and refinement of budget processes and tools
- Analyze financial reports and assist in explaining variances between budget and actual results; identify trends in revenues, expenditures, and other key drivers
- Monitor financial performance against budget and forecasts, highlighting risks, opportunities, and areas requiring attention
- Contribute to financial analysis for new initiatives, program reviews, and business plans, including ROI and cost-benefit considerations
- Assist in preparing annual operating budgets, ensuring alignment with unit and institutional priorities
- Support workforce planning and labor distribution activities for assigned business areas; assist with annual salary increase processes
- Develop and support financial dashboards and reporting tools for internal stakeholders and senior leadership
- Ensure compliance with internal policies, external regulations, and audit requirements; support audit-related activities as needed
- Collaborate with university partners to ensure consistent data sources and accurate financial reporting and projections
- May supervise staff, including supporting hiring, onboarding, and performance development
Required Skills and Experience- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain financial information and concepts to diverse audiences
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build relationships in a team-oriented environment
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced setting
- High level of initiative and self-direction, with a willingness to learn and grow in a strategic finance capacity
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with financial analysis, modeling, and reporting
Preferred Skills and Experience- Experience with enterprise systems such as SAP S/4HANA, Concur, Workday, Power BI, and Microsoft 365
Additional InformationThis position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. The standard expectation is two days per week in the office; however, flexibility is supported in weeks where this cadence is not feasible, based on business needs and coordination with the team. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree6+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $102,300.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICSPursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
