Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Lead - University Wide (On-Site)

We are seeking a highly collaborative and forward-thinking FP&A professional to join our team in an on-site role with university-wide scope. This position is not focused on routine number-crunching or transactional analytics. Instead, you will operate in the "grey space"-partnering with leadership to forecast, interpret financial trends, and analyze variances to inform strategic decisions across the institution.

This role requires someone who can move beyond static reporting to tell the financial story, anticipate needs, and build scalable processes that support evolving leadership priorities.

This is a fully on-site position , requiring regular in-person collaboration and engagement with stakeholders across campus

Key Responsibilities

• Forecasting & Variance Analysis
  • Develop forward-looking financial forecasts and scenario analyses
  • Analyze variances and translate findings into meaningful insights
  • Support agile decision-making across multiple departments and stakeholders
• Strategic Financial Storytelling
  • Synthesize complex financial data into clear, compelling narratives
  • Prepare and deliver presentations for senior leadership, including Board-level materials
  • Tailor messaging for diverse audiences across the university
• Process Automation & Innovation
  • Design and build Copilot-based scripts and workflows to automate reporting and data extraction
  • Create scalable solutions to eliminate manual processes regardless of shifting business needs
  • Continuously improve efficiency and data accessibility
• Data Visualization & Presentation Development
  • Develop high-quality dashboards and presentation materials
  • Ensure outputs are visually compelling and aligned with executive expectations
• Systems & Financial Tools
  • Utilize systems such as Banner (General Ledger), Tableau (reporting and visualizations, and Axiom (budgeting tool)
  • Prior experience is preferred but not required

Qualifications

• Strong experience in financial forecasting and variance analysis
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial audiences
• Proven ability to translate data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations
• Experience building automated workflows, scripting, or process optimization (Copilot or similar tools strongly preferred)
• Proficiency in data visualization and presentation tools (Tableau, VBA, or equivalent)
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity and operate effectively without rigid structure
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field
• 4-6 years of progressively responsible finance experience

Preferred (Not Required)

• Experience in higher education finance
• Familiarity with Banner or Axiom

Application Instructions (Please Read Carefully)

To help us identify thoughtful, engaged candidates:

1. Add the phrase "Strategic FP&A Builder" somewhere in your resume or cover letter.
2. (Optional but encouraged) Submit a sample of a dashboard, financial model, or presentation you've built (sanitized if needed).

What Sets This Role Apart

• University-wide impact with exposure to senior leadership and strategic initiatives
• Opportunity to build modern, automated financial processes from the ground up
• A role designed for a strategic thinker-not a transactional analyst