Financial Planning & Budgeting Partner

JOB TITLE

Financial Planning & Budgeting Partner

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Finance & Budget

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Financial Planning & Budgeting Partner supports the university's financial planning, budgeting, and reporting functions by maintaining financial data, performing analysis, and partnering with departments to support informed decision-making. Working within the FP&A office, this role contributes to budget and forecasting processes, ensures data integrity across financial systems, and delivers timely, accurate reporting and insights.

This position reports to the Director of Financial Planning & Budgeting and plays a key role in supporting financial operations while contributing to continuous improvement in processes and systems.

This is a hybrid role with an expectation of three days on-site per week.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Reporting

• Support annual budget development and quarterly forecasting through data collection, validation, and system entry (e.g., Adaptive, Workday).
• Prepare and analyze routine financial reports, including budget-to-actuals, variance analysis, and non-operating fund tracking; identify trends and escalate key insights.
• Process and support operating and capital budget adjustments, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation.

Financial Systems, Data Integrity & Controls

• Maintain accuracy and integrity of financial data across systems, including operating, capital, and position budgets.
• Monitor and reconcile financial data, including vacancy savings and fixed-term position tracking.
• Generate standard and ad hoc reports to support departmental and institutional needs.
• Troubleshoot data discrepancies and collaborate with stakeholders to resolve issues.

Analysis & Decision Support

• Perform recurring financial analysis to identify variances, trends, and risks, and provide preliminary recommendations.
• Support scenario planning and forecasting by preparing and validating data and assumptions.
• Assist in developing materials for presentations, reports, and planning discussions.

Divisional Support & Financial Partnership

• Serve as a primary financial contact for assigned departments, providing guidance on budget performance and financial processes.
• Respond to financial inquiries and support departments in understanding reports and budgets.
• Partner with departments to gather financial information and support planning and reporting needs.
• Provide basic training on financial systems, reports, and budget processes.

Process Improvement & Systems Support

• Identify and recommend improvements to reporting, data integrity, and financial processes.
• Assist in documenting procedures to promote consistency and transparency.
• Support implementation of process improvements, automation, and system enhancements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Contribute to special projects and ad hoc analyses.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary Grade 8: $71,800 - $76,600 per year (depending on experience)

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

Compensation at WPI

FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)