Financial Operations Planner

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The 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 Responsibilities

The 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 Information

This 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 CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree6+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment 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 & BENEFITS
The 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 STATISTICS

Pursuant 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.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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