Sr Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist

Keene State College invites applications from finance professionals for a Senior Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist to collaborate with Finance Division leadership to provide expert support for the development and monitoring of unit operating budgets, strategic planning, and financial management at the College. This position operates with significant autonomy and field complex and technical questions from unit representatives regarding budget and financial planning processes, requirements, policies, and other relevant regulations. This is a full-time, year-round benefited hybrid position.

Additional duties and responsibilities include:

• Serving as a front-line business partner to unit and institutional financial leaders in the analysis of unit finances, development and execution of financial strategy, and forecasting, planning, monitoring, adjusting unit budgets, and as lead point of contact for one or more complex administrative or academic units, as determined by Finance Division leadership.  

• Supports in the preparation of revenue and expense projections and other specialized financial reports and analyses and assists unit representatives in understanding and interpreting financial data.

• Supports System-wide financial planning as needed through data gathering and recommendations

• Cultivates an expert understanding of unit and institutional needs and context, regularly interacts with unit representatives, works closely with business leaders to coordinate financial activities, and provides a high level of tailored customer service, including specialized strategic support for academic units (including program creation) as needed.

• Reviews, approves, and advises on financial transactions ranging from standard to complex, reconciling these when necessary, and liaises with the appropriate departments in the Central Financial Operations Center to ensure that business processes are completed promptly, correctly, and in accordance with established policies.

• Supports financial functions that require advanced, technical financial expertise.

• Assists in the development of unit operating budgets, recommends cost savings and funding options in alignment with business units’ strategic initiatives, frequently reviews account expenditures to ensure conformity with budgetary guidelines, and prepares budgetary adjustments and amendments as necessary.

• Regularly reviews unit financial and budgetary data, identifies and investigates errors and discrepancies, and resolves these through appropriate actions and channels, liaising with other departments and the Central Financial Operations Center where necessary and makes recommendations to financial leaders on internal controls and process improvements.

• As needed, prepares and maintains documentation required for internal and external audits, collaborating with other Division employees, as well as other System and institutional financial leaders.

• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, three or more years professional experience in a field related to finance, accounting, or a related field; additional certifications or degree programs above and beyond the minimum education requirement may be substituted year-for-year for prior work experience.

• Detailed knowledge of basic accounting principles, budget planning, and monitoring, and financial analysis.

• Expertise in understanding and analyzing financial statements, written financial policies and regulations, and other relevant documentation.

• Proven mathematical, organizational, and analytical skills.

• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to interact with standard technology platforms (e.g., excel, word processing, data entry, email etc.). Understanding of and proficiency in navigating computerized financial systems.

• Ability to interpret and work with financial data, perform calculations and statistical analyses, and draw a conclusion.

• Ability to perform complex finance operations independently with minimal guidance or supervision.

• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and accurately, both verbal and in writing.

• Desire to work in a collaborative environment with System and institutional leaders, as well as colleagues in other financial affairs departments.

• Ability to maintain knowledge of USNH systems, policies, and procedures related to budget operations and adheres to established standards and protocols.

Preferred qualifications:

• Advanced degree related to accounting or finance, additional credentials for finance (e.g., Certified Financial Analyst), experience operating in a shared service setting, experience working for a tax-exempt organization preferred. Knowledge of and/or direct experience with Workday and Adaptive systems.

Applicant Instructions

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the Resume/Cover Letter section of your application:

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter

• Contact Information for 3 Professional References

Applications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration. Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed.

Keene State College is located in the scenic Monadnock region of Southwest New Hampshire and is an affiliate of the University System of New Hampshire. Located approximately 2 hours from Boston or Hartford CT, and 4 hours from New York City, the region contains many opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation, cultural events, and a strong sense of community. To learn more about Keene State College, the University System of New Hampshire, and the Keene community, please
visit: https://www.keene.edu, https://www.usnh.edu/ or https://www.ci.keene.nh.us.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Compensation Pay Range:

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

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