Senior Financial Analyst

JOB TITLE

Senior Financial Analyst

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Budget & Operations

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Senior Financial Analyst will work closely with colleagues across the institution to understand their business processes and reporting needs, define key performance metrics, interpret analytics results, and identify trends and develop narratives from the data to support informed decision-making.

This position will track operational data that measures these divisional activities, efficiency, and progress toward strategic objectives. The Senior Financial Analyst will assist in continuous systems improvement and the implementation of higher education industry best practice policies and procedures.

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

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Develop and conduct in-depth financial analysis across all fund types, including operating budgets, cash flows, and financial statements, strategic sourcing and long-term financial planning to uncover trends, patterns, risks and actionable insights. Contribute to analysis and short- and long-range financial plan development in support of the University's mission in coordination with other divisions.
• Reporting to AVP of Finance & Operations, assist CFO, AVP and Finance team in preparing ad-hoc analyses, reports, presentations, and data analytics to support strategic initiatives, the annual and multi-year budget processes. Provides clear, accurate, and concise explanations of changes in budgets and actuals.
• Perform research on industry best practices and benchmarks to support the budget process and senior leadership decision-making. Design, build, and maintain dynamic dashboards, scorecards, and KPIs to track financial performance and business drivers, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and integrity of financial data.
• Lead the development and implementation of automated reporting tools using AI, machine learning, business intelligence (BI) platforms, and planning systems (e.g., Power BI, Workday, Adaptive, Synario) to deliver real-time, data-driven insights. Translate complex financial data into clear visuals through dashboards and reports, encompassing advanced data analysis with optimal visualization techniques. Leverage technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness to enable fact-based, timely, and collaborative decisions guided by WPI strategy.
• Continuously develop, assess, and enhance systems and processes to achieve greater efficiencies, while also formulating recommendations for policies and procedures that impact budgetary models and initiatives within WPI.
• Maintain planning models, systems and tools to support scenario planning, forecasting, and strategic decision-making (Synario, excel, Adaptive), ensuring efficient management and support.
• Serve as a collaborative partner to cross-functional teams, offering expert problem-solving, comprehensive training, and strategic guidance on financial planning and analysis.
• Support finance & operations division (IT, facilities, police, finance) with day-to-day financial analysis, training and support.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends within the industry as well as in financial automation, data visualization, and AI integration. Serve as backup for forecasting, budgeting and support functions. Other duties determined necessary in support of the overall responsibilities of the Division of Finance & Operations.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or other relevant field.
• Minimum 4 years of progressive demonstrated success in an FP&A or other finance/accounting position or related position with similar duties.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated advanced Excel skills or similar skills and ability to design complex spreadsheets and pivot tables utilizing advanced formulas (Power Query, Power pivots (including measures), x-lookup and other advanced functions, conditional formatting, etc.)
• Highly collaborative working style with excellent consultative, analytical, communication, and customer service skills. Ability to summarize analytical work and present findings in a visually compelling way.
• Strong organizational skills, and ability to use them in a fast-paced, highly productive environment.
• A commitment to quality, innovation, and process improvement with an emphasis on collaborative teamwork and high customer service standards.
• Ability to plan and direct projects and to lead innovative, strategic initiatives.
• Personal maturity and the ability t