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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 Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications and the Schreyer Honors College (SHC) by partnering closely with a Strategic Finance Partner to provide financial guidance, analysis, and decision support to unit leadership.
The Financial Operations Planner supports the business unit and Strategic Financial Partner by providing oversight and expert guidance to unit leaders on budget and financial matters; serves as a subject matter expert in one or more budget or fiscal-related areas; advises unit leaders on budget management and financial controls; provides in-depth financial analysis, forecasting, and budget modeling; plays a key role in supporting long-term financial planning efforts and ensuring effective resource allocation aligns with the university’s mission, strategic goals, and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Human Resources Consultant, and Graduate Coordinator to submit instructional supplemental pay, adjunct appointments, and labor distribution
- Maintain lists of course buyouts, non-instructional, temp additional pay, and process position budgeting
- Collaborate in budget and resource data analysis to provide data-driven recommendations and financial insights; gather, compile, and manipulate data; may determine analytical methods to be used
- Develop, maintain, and refine financial models to support long-range planning and scenario analysis
- Oversee assigned components of budget activities; participate in the conceptual development of the various budget processes and specifications for projects
- Review financial reports to understand and explain variances between budget and actuals; analyze trends in revenues, expenditures, enrollments, and funding sources; ensure appropriate spending and billing practices are being followed
- Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast, identifying areas of concern or opportunity
- Participate in the development of financial dashboards and reporting tools for internal stakeholders and senior leadership
- Provide financial analyses for new initiatives, program reviews, and business plans, including ROI and cost-benefit assessments
- Assist in the preparation of the annual operating budgets, ensuring alignment with unit and institutional priorities
- Manage workforce planning and labor distribution for assigned business area(s); assist with annual salary increase program execution
- Support compliance with internal policies, external regulations, and audit requirements; oversee audits as required
- Partner with other university offices to ensure consistent data sources and accurate financial projections
- Will supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management
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
If filled as Finance Planning Analyst - Senior Supervisor, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Finance Planning Analyst - Supervisor, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required 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 $65,508.00 - $108,444.00.
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 814-865-1473.
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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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- Six or more years of relevant experience for the Finance Planning Analyst Senior Supervisor level
- Three or more years of relevant experience for the Finance Planning Analyst Supervisor level
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted
- Authorization to work in the United States without employer visa sponsorship
- Successful completion of standard background checks
- Successful completion of a credit history check
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
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