"Director, Strategic Financial Planning"

Job Description Summary

The Director of Strategic Financial Planning reports to the Vice Dean/CFO and provides direct support/consultation on decision support matters and represents the school at university budget meetings, ad hoc special committees, or task force assignments as directed. Coordinates with leadership and stakeholders across the school and with select university offices.

The Director also leads the development and management of the $220M annual school budget submission, quarterly forecasts, and 5-year budget model. Participates in management-level meetings with various leadership, manages the capital budgeting process for major construction/renovation projects, and for the acquisition of major capital equipment. Conducts business planning, including the development of risk assessment and ROI.

In addition, the Director provides decision support for all cost centers and business units spanning two campuses including operational performance reporting, forecasting, program investment analysis, strategic analysis and budgeting. Problem solves and makes recommendations to achieve fiscal optimization, stability and sustainability.

Job Description

This position is expected to support the Vice Dean for Finance with financial reporting needs, Board reports, ad-hoc queries, and other departmental strategic projects/ initiatives. Generally, provides decision support for the budget, long-term forecast, and school-level strategic plan.

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for developing, consolidating, and overseeing the annual School budget process model as well as the quarterly forecast process. Develops and makes recommendations regarding the 5-year budget model.
• Represents the Office of Budget & Finance at both school and university-level budget planning meetings. Provide School-level financial analysis for multiple cost centers and business units, including operational performance reporting, forecasting, and strategic analysis.
• Develop financial reports and standard metrics for divisional analysis and operational use.
• Prepare internal and external reports using standard University tools (Business Objects, Hyperion Planning, MS Office, etc.) along with other tools such as Smartview, advanced features of Excel, and other reporting packages as identified.
• Monitor operational processes, evaluate cost cost-effectiveness of existing and proposed programs or investments, and suggest alternatives to ensure optimal use of resources.
• Ensure the use of analysis and reporting best practices across the Division and assist with training and development in the departments.
• Assist with the development and implementation of business process improvements and training initiatives when appropriate regarding the use of data mining and reporting tools and applications.
• Manages the $70M student aid portfolio, including coordinating with Institutional Advancement, the Office for Students, and the Dean's Office on policy development and compliance, strategic planning, and reporting.
• Drives the use of technology, using standard university tools (Business Objects, Hyperion Planning, MS Office, Power BI, etc.), along with other tools such as SmartView, advanced features of Excel, and other reporting packages as identified.
• Assesses potential uses of AI to increase productivity and information gathering.
• Ensure the use of analysis and reporting best practices across the school and assist with training and development in the departments, including the use of new technology.
• Assist with the development and implementation of university and school business process improvements and training initiatives when appropriate.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science and 7 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Master's Degree and 5 to 7 years of experience are preferred. Ability to conduct quantitative analyses, strong analytical background, and excellent working knowledge of spreadsheet and database software. Must be able to conceptualize complex tasks and work independently, prioritize, and meet deadlines. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. Knowledge of BEN Financials, Business Objects/Data Warehouse, Planning, and other University of Pennsylvania Systems is preferred but not required.

Job Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range

$109,000.00 - $140,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.