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.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.