Budget/Financial Analyst, Penn Libraries

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Budget/Financial Analyst, Penn Libraries

Job Profile Title

Accountant/Financial Analyst

Job Description Summary

The Penn Libraries Budget/Financial Analyst is responsible for complex budget analysis and developing multi-year financial forecasts to support revenue and expenditure planning that encompasses unrestricted funds, gifts, endowments, and grants (both internal and external). This position delivers financial reporting and insight by integrating data from multiple systems and conducting monthly variance analysis. The Budget Analyst generates financial models to support strategic planning and decision-making, provides guidance on financial matters related to budget performance and resource allocation, gathers market and industry data for competitive benchmarking, and engages in ongoing process improvement and documentation.

Given the complexity of the Penn Libraries, the individual in this position must possess a combination of big picture, intellectual curiosity, detailed thinking, and exceptional communication skills.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Compile and maintain comprehensive capital and operating five-year budgets and current year forecasts built on historical trends, articulated assumptions, and strategic initiatives. Work closely with senior leaders and department managers to ensure forecasts are accurate, aligned with institutional priorities, and supported by clear financial data. 
• Prepare standard and ad hoc financial reports for senior leaders and department managers, including monthly budget updates that identify variances and provide in-depth analysis of financial performance against budget and prior year results. Work closely with department managers and senior leaders to identify, document, review, and approve underlying assumptions and to ensure accurate reporting and forecasting. 
• Prepare financial models that support forecasting and enable scenario planning. Create ad hoc reports when specific policy or operational questions arise. Identify trends, risks, and opportunities by developing financial analyses of specific areas and initiatives. Contextualize financial performance in industry data.
• Partner with department managers to evaluate costs, monitor financial performance, and develop useful financial management tools that support the effective use of resources. Provide budget training to staff, including creating materials and conducting trainings and presentations as necessary.
• Oversee reporting and variance analysis of human capital activity, including staffing changes and salary modeling; integrate Workday data into budgeting, forecasting, and planning processes.
• Oversee the annual fiscal year-end close process. Prepare routine journal entries as well as complex correcting entries when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelo