The Planning and Budgeting Advisor is responsible for providing strategic financial advice, facilitating budget planning, and ensuring the alignment of financial resources with the university’s objectives. This role supports decision-making by delivering accurate financial analysis, forecasting, and budgetary guidance to various administrative and operational units. The advisor collaborates closely with the Campus and community department manager, management, and finance teams to optimize resource allocation and manage operational expenditures (OPEX) and capital expenditures (CAPEX).
Responsibilities
- Provide financial forecasting, analysis, and reporting to support strategic decision-making for Campus and community department.
- Ensure alignment of budgetary plans with Campus and Community goals and priorities.
- Strong understanding of budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting processes.
- Prepare detailed financial reports, variance analyses, and cost assessments for both OPEX and CAPEX.
- Ensure effective management of operational expenditures by identifying potential efficiencies and cost reductions.
- Monitor budget performance and provide regular updates on financial status, risks, and opportunities.
- Analyze financial trends and identify cost-saving opportunities while ensuring resource optimization.
- Work closely with Campus and community units to gather budget inputs and provide guidance on financial planning processes.
- Advise leadership on budget policies, financial planning strategies, and funding requirements.
- Recommend appropriate adjustments to budgets and resource allocation in response to operational needs or external factors.
- Assist in financial scenario planning and risk management for strategic projects and initiatives.
- Proficiency in financial modeling, variance analysis, and cost control methods.
- Capability to identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiencies within budgetary constraints.
- Ability to align financial planning with the university’s strategic goals and priorities.
- Expertise in long-term financial scenario planning, risk assessment, and contingency planning.
- Ability to analyze complex financial data, interpret trends, and provide recommendations to optimize resource allocation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field. Professional certifications such as Advanced Financial Management are advantageous and desirable. Advanced proficiency in financial software and tools (e.g., ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or PeopleSoft).
- 5 years of experience in budgeting, financial planning, or advisory roles, preferably within a higher education or non-profit setting.
- Proven experience in managing and reporting on both operational (OPEX) and capital expenditure (CAPEX) budgets.
- Experience working in a collaborative, multi-stakeholder environment with exposure to large-scale budget management.
- Strong command of Microsoft Excel for financial modelling, data analysis, and forecasting.
- Familiarity with business intelligence tools and financial reporting software (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).