Budget Analyst I

Budget Analyst IRutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Budget Analyst for the University Office of Financial Planning, Analysis, and Budget, the central office that supports university-wide budget development, financial planning, analysis, reporting, and budget administration across our decentralized research university.Among the key duties of the position are the following:Develops and maintains sophisticated financial models, forecasts, and scenario analyses that integrate financial, enrollment, workforce, student-aid, research, and operational data.Supports annual operating budget development; tuition, fee, and enrollment analysis; personnel and fringe modeling; cost allocations under the University's current Responsibility Center Management (RCM) framework; quarterly forecasting; and evaluation of financial risks, opportunities, and resource requests.Converts complex data into clear, accurate, and decision-oriented narratives, visualizations, dashboards, presentations, and executive summaries for senior leadership, governing bodies, campus and unit financial leaders, and other stakeholders.Identifies material trends and variances, tests assumptions, explains financial drivers, and presents options and recommendations that connect financial results to institutional priorities.Works independently on high-impact assignments, exercises sound judgment with confidential and sensitive information, including financial and compensation analyses related to collective bargaining agreements and negotiations, and collaborates across academic, research, health-related, and administrative units.Supports the effective operation and analysis of the current RCM model and related allocation processes.FLSA - ExemptGrade - 08Salary DetailsMinimum Salary - 108670.000Mid Range Salary - 137547.000Maximum Salary - 166424.000Offer Information - The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.Benefits - Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programsPosition Status - Full TimeWorking HoursStandard Hours - 37.50Daily Work ShiftWork Arrangement - Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the View email address on click.appcast.io Application System.Union Description - Administrators ConfidentialPayroll Designation - PeopleSoftSeniority UnitTerms of Appointment - Staff - 12 monthPosition Pension Eligibility - ABPQualificationsMinimum Education and Experience - Bachelor's degree, preferably in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, data analytics, public administration, or a related field. A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in budgeting, financial planning and analysis, accounting, or a closely related analytical function. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in accordance with University policy.Certifications/LicensesRequired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Financial and Analytical Capability Advanced ability to design and maintain complex, linked financial models; develop scenarios and forecasts; perform variance, trend, sensitivity, and cost-benefit analyses; and identify material financial drivers. Strong understanding of operating budgets, financial information, revenue and expense behavior, personnel costs, fringe benefits, commitments, and recurring versus nonrecurring resources. Ability to work with large, diverse data sets; reconcile information across systems; evaluate data quality; test reasonableness; and maintain clear model documentation and controls. Ability to move from an ambiguous business question to a structured analytical approach, defensible conclusions, practical alternatives, and concise recommendations. Technical Skills Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex formulas, pivot tables, lookup and aggregation functions, data validation, scenario tools, and efficient management of large data sets. Proficiency with presentation and reporting tools, including PowerPoint, data visualization or business-intelligence platforms. Experience using enterprise resource planning, budgeting, financial reporting, or comparable integrated business systems. Ability to learn and adapt to evolving financial systems, data structures, reporting platforms, and analytical methods. Communication, Storytelling & Collaboration Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with demonstrated ability to explain complex financial information accurately and clearly to non-financial audiences. Ability to create an evidence-based financial narrative that connects data, drivers, context, implications, alternatives, and recommended action. Ability to develop concise executive summaries, polished presentations, decision memos, charts, and dashboards tailored to the audience and purpose. Consultative and collaborative working style; ability to build credibility, obtain information, challenge assumptions constructively, and work effectively across decentralized academic and administrative units. Leadership & Professional Attributes Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential, sensitive, or high-visibility information. Self-direction, intellectual curiosity, initiative, and accountability for the accuracy and timeliness of assigned work. Ability to manage multiple complex assignments, shifting priorities, and firm deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Exceptional attention to detail balanced with the ability to identify and communicate the broader institutional implications of an analysis. Commitment to transparency, service, continuous improvement, documentation, and effective stewardship of University resources.Preferred Qualifications - Master's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, public administration, data analytics, or a related field. Experience in financial planning and analysis at a public research university, academic health enterprise, government entity, or other complex, decentralized institution. Experience supporting an RCM, activity-based, or other allocation-based budget environment. Experience with tuition and enrollment revenue modeling, student aid analysis, personnel forecasting, cost allocations, state appropriations, research-related financial activity, or multi-year planning. Knowledge of OracleERPCloud, OracleEPM/EPBCS, Smart View, Tableau, Power BI, Access or comparable platforms. Working knowledge of data-query and transformation tools such as SQL, Power Query, Power Pivot, or equivalent functionality. Demonstrated experience preparing executive or board-level financial presentations and translating analysis into financial storytelling.Equipment Utilized - The specialized equipment for the incumbent will be in the form of the software identified above.Physical Demands and Work Environment - Work is primarily performed in an office or hybrid professional environment and requires prolonged computer use and periods of sedentary work.Special Conditions - May require evening or weekend work during peak budget cycles, critical reporting deadlines, and/or special projects. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, subject to approval and operational needs. A regular on-site presence of at least three (3) days per week is required, with additional on-site days as needed. Employees approved for a hybrid work arrangement must reside in NJ, NY, PA or DE and be within a commutable distance of the university.Posting DetailsPosting Number - 26ST1868Posting Open Date - 09/30/2026Special Instructions to ApplicantsRegional Campus - Rutgers University-New BrunswickHome Location Campus - Off CampusCity - PiscatawayState - NJLocation DetailsPre-employment Screenings All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings. Immunization Requirements Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex,