Financial Planning Analyst

Summary

Position Title

Financial Planning Analyst

Department

Financial Affairs: Resource Management

Status

Full Time/Exempt

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Director of Resource Management, this position has the primary role of preparing the annual fiscal year budget, utilizing business intelligence methods to conduct financial analysis, and reporting overall University and business unit performances. The position will assist leaders in achieving their multi-year goals by assisting with forecasting cash positions, calculating revenue projections, resolving spending limitations, and monitoring budget vs. actual operations according to generally accepted accounting standards, FASB rules, and regulations. Additional responsibilities include supporting leadership’s efforts to update and implement technology to gain efficiencies and streamline budget planning, treasury processes, and risk management functions via an ERP/SIS system.

Essential Job Duties

The key to this position is providing the highest level of business intelligence methods, in budget analysis, improvement planning, forecasting, and business performance reporting to the leaders of Jacksonville University. To be successful this position will work with all leaders to create a budget plan, make recommendations to processes and procedures, report on business unit planning variances, and prepare monthly performance analyses to identify and interpret financial and operational trends. Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating the planning and development of the annual fiscal budget for the University. This includes combining all department plans into a consolidated organizational budget.
• Vetting all planning proposals for completeness, accuracy and compliance to policy.
• Monitoring budget vs. actual financial data recorded per the University’s plans and goals.
• Assisting leadership to develop metrics that track expenses and position controls across business units and departments.
• Monitoring financial risks to ensure the validity, authenticity, and legality of expenditures.
• Researching and resolving business plan limitations while adhering to University policies and procedures.
• Providing recommendations via journal entries to correct budget vs. actual recorded data.
• Facilitating the training of the detailed processes for the annual fiscal budget process, including the Controller’s Budget Reallocation form and HR Action Form.
• Assisting the development of a program profitability model to assure revenues and expenses are tracked properly, and that the appropriate direct and indirect costs are applied.
• Managing data compiled for financial modeling linked to funding surplus and cash activities.
• Assisting Capital Projects with planning the University’s capital improvement plan (CIP).
• Assisting with the development of policies and procedures to establish internal controls.
• Documenting processes, recommendations, and opportunities for improvements.
• Assist with audit reviews, including the preparation of flux analysis schedules and related explanations to report prior, present, and future financial performances.
• Perform related work as requested by the Management team.

Required Skills

• Must be able to multi-task and prioritize workload with minimum supervision.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including PowerPoint presentations.
• Strong interpersonal skills with sensitivity, passion, and a focus on unity and equity.
• Aptitude for math, proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, macros, v-lookup, etc.), and database applications/software (Windows Access, Device Magic, etc).
• Ability to lead, train and participate in the maintenance of long-term financial planning.
• Must have a basic understanding of GAAP and financial principles and terms.
• Ability to reconcile accounts, and analyze financial data per FASB financial reporting rules.
• Customer focus oriented, i.e good communication with internal and external partners.
• Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, procedures, and instructions.
• Conforms to all safety rules and wears/uses all appropriate safety equipment.

Safety Requirements

Jacksonville University is a private university that is a member of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Work Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee may encounter while performing this job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Physical Requirements

• Sit for prolonged periods
• Perform repetitive motion.
• Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach.
• Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines.
• Adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person and by phone.

Education, Certificates, Licenses, and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a closely related field is required. A Master’s degree is a plus.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of professional analytical experience is required.
• Experience in fiscal planning, budget preparation, cost-benefit analysis, present value theory, and other business intelligence methods is required.
• Experience in the use of Ellucian Colleague, or large-scale ERP-integrated accounting systems is ideal.

Important Note

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

To Apply

Interested applicants are asked to submit a copy of their resume and cover letter along with a completed JU Application to Sonja Pryce at spryce@ju.edu.