Senior Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist

Reporting to the Finance Manager and working closely with the Finance Director and other team members within the assigned Finance Division, the Senior Financial Planning Analyst (Sr. FPA) supports the development and monitoring of unit operating budgets, strategic planning initiatives, and overall financial management for units including Student Life, Marketing, Hospitality & Campus Services, and Facilities. This role conducts complex financial analyses and engages regularly with senior leadership across the University. The Sr. FPA acts as a peer leader for FPA staff and, when needed, oversees hourly personnel.

Duties/Responsibilities

Financial Strategy, Planning & Analysis – 35%

• Support institutional and unit leaders in developing financial strategy, planning, and monitoring.

• Lead annual fiscal year budget development with a focus on long‑term financial sustainability.

• Conduct complex financial modeling and analysis using advanced Excel, PowerBI and Office Connect

• Translate financial results into operational recommendations that improve business performance.

• Prepare specialized financial reports, including variance analyses, multi‑year projections, allocation models, and budget‑vs‑actual monitoring.

Budget Operations, Compliance & Financial Processes – 30%

• Review, approve, and advise on financial transactions, ensuring proper classification and budget allocation.

• Prepare and reconcile budget adjustments and reclassification journal entries.

• Monitor expenditures for compliance with budgetary guidelines and recommend cost‑saving strategies.

• Ensure adherence to System‑wide financial standards, definitions, and procedural requirements.

• Identify process efficiencies and document procedural improvements.

• Support the development of unit operating budgets and recommend funding options aligned with strategic initiatives.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Customer Service — 20%

• Collaborate with senior administrative and academic leadership to design effective financial systems and processes.

• Develop a deep understanding of unit needs and provide tailored financial support.

• Coordinate financial activities with business leaders and maintain strong working relationships across units.

• Deliver high‑quality customer service, including specialized strategic support as needed.

• Communicate financial information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
  

Reporting, Systems Expertise & Continuous Improvement — 15%

• Provide financial reporting support, including ad hoc and standard reports.

• Navigate and utilize computerized financial systems effectively (e.g., Workday).

• Recommend internal control enhancements and process improvements.

• Support continuous learning, feedback, and professional development within the finance function.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Higher‑education financial structures and funding models

• Maintain accuracy and attention to detail in complex analytical work

• Budget development processes, expenditure monitoring, and cost‑control practices

• System‑wide financial policies, definitions, and compliance requirements

• Preparing budget adjustments, journal entries, and reconciliations

• Managing multiple deadlines and maintaining organized financial records

• Clear, concise communication tailored to diverse audiences

• ERP and financial systems (e.g., Workday)

• Reviewing, classifying, and validating financial transactions

• Creating ad hoc and standard financial reports

• Using financial systems to extract, analyze, and validate data

• Documenting procedures and recommending system/process enhancements

• Learning new systems and tools quickly

• Maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive financial information

• Adapting to evolving processes, technologies, and organizational needs

• Advanced Excel modeling and data analysis
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working for a Higher Ed environment or a tax-exempt organization preferred

• Additional credentials for finance (e.g., Certified Financial Analyst) preferred

• Experience with Workday financial, budgeting, or reporting modules preferred

• Familiarity with the financial operations, compliance requirements, or budgeting practices of NCAA Division I programs preferred.

• Experience supporting or managing financial processes related to philanthropic gifts or donations in a higher‑education environment preferred.

Applicant Instructions:

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the My Experience: Resume/CV section of the application: (Maximum of 5 Documents)

• 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.

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

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:

$52,520.00 - $93,640.00

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

Location:

Durham