Sr Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist

About the Role

This position serves as a senior Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) staff member, collaborating with Finance Division leadership to provide expert support for the development and monitoring of unit operating budgets, strategic planning, and financial management at the institution.

Responsibilities

• Act as a front-line business partner to unit and institutional financial leaders in analyzing unit finances, developing and executing financial strategy, and forecasting, planning, monitoring, and adjusting unit budgets. Serve as the lead point of contact for one or more complex administrative or academic units.
• Operate with significant autonomy, addressing complex and technical questions from unit representatives regarding budget and financial planning processes, requirements, policies, and regulations.
• Cultivate an expert understanding of unit and institutional needs, regularly interact with unit representatives, coordinate financial activities with business leaders, and provide tailored customer service, including specialized strategic support for academic units (e.g., program creation).
• Review, approve, and advise on financial transactions (standard to complex), reconcile them when necessary, and liaise with the Financial Operations Center to ensure timely and accurate completion of business processes in accordance with policies.
• Support financial functions requiring advanced, technical financial expertise.
• Assist in onboarding and training Financial Planning & Analysis Specialists and serve as a peer leader.
• Develop unit operating budgets, recommend cost savings and funding options aligned with strategic initiatives, review account expenditures for budgetary compliance, and prepare budgetary adjustments as needed.
• Prepare revenue and expense projections, specialized financial reports, and analyses, and assist unit representatives in interpreting financial data.
• Support system-wide financial planning through data gathering and recommendations.
• Regularly review unit financial and budgetary data, identify and investigate errors or discrepancies, and resolve them through appropriate channels, collaborating with other departments and the Financial Operations Center.
• Recommend internal controls and process improvements to financial leaders.
• Prepare and maintain documentation for internal and external audits, collaborating with Division employees and institutional financial leaders.
• Maintain knowledge of USNH systems, policies, and procedures related to budget operations and adhere to established standards.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., finance, accounting).
• Three or more years of professional experience in finance, accounting, or a related field. Additional certifications or advanced degrees may substitute year-for-year for work experience.
• Detailed knowledge of basic accounting principles, budget planning and monitoring, and financial analysis.
• Proficiency in navigating computerized financial systems and interpreting financial data.
• Expertise in analyzing financial statements, policies, regulations, and other relevant documentation.
• Excellent mathematical, organizational, and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to perform complex finance operations independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Desire to work collaboratively with institutional leaders and colleagues in financial affairs.
• Openness to 360-degree feedback and a commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in accounting or finance.
• Experience training and onboarding employees on financial duties.
• Experience operating in a shared service setting.
• Experience working for a tax-exempt organization.
• Knowledge of or direct experience with Workday/Adaptive systems.
• Additional finance credentials (e.g., Certified Financial Analyst).

Pay

Pay range: $52,520.00 - $93,640.00. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Benefits

More information on benefits can be found at USNH Employee Benefits.

Location

Durham, NH.