Director Financial Planning & Analysis

89143BR

Off-Campus: Scottsdale

Dir Fiscal + Business Ops

Job Description

EdPlus at Arizona State University seeks a highly motivated, service-oriented Director of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) to join our team.  Under the direction of EdPlus Finance and Administration leadership, the Director will understand, optimize, and monitor the entire planning and forecast processes for all EdPlus at ASU functions.  This position is highly visible, critical to the unit’s financial management and well-being, and essential to the University’s goals and mission.    

The Director of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) is responsible for providing direction to a small and growing team of finance professionals on the planning, assessing, and reporting of EdPlus’ team budgets, including related workforce planning.  This involves developing and managing financial planning and forecasting procedures, as well as identifying and prioritizing recommended actions. In addition, the Director will participate in and support metric-driven financial models to plan and forecast.

The successful candidate will not only understand but be committed to the ASU Charter, Mission, and Goals.  They will be self-starter with an efficient work methodology with close attention to detail, skilled in maintaining effective working relationships in a diverse population and experienced in handling confidential and sensitive information. 

ASU Charter 
ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom we exclude, but rather by whom we include and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.

ASU Mission and Goals
1. Demonstrate leadership in enabling academic excellence and accessibility at scale
2. Establish national standing in academic quality and impact of colleges and schools in every field
3. Establish ASU as the leading global center for interdisciplinary research, discovery and development by 2027
4. Enhance our local impact and social embeddedness.

The person in this position will routinely interact with staff at all levels in all functions, so excellent communication skills are critical.  They will be an effective communicator who brings an empathic, persuasive, service-oriented approach in a structured, fast-paced and supportive environment with established guidelines.

EdPlus is a central enterprise unit for ASU focused on the design and scalable delivery of digital teaching and learning models to increase student success and reduce barriers to achievement in higher education.
We advance the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the local, national and international communicates served by ASU through:

• Distinctive online degree programs
• Outstanding digital teaching and learning
• Exceptional service to students
• World-class innovations for access
• Transformational partnerships and initiatives

This position is based out of Scottsdale Arizona and works a hybrid office schedule.

EdPlus is a unit of the ASU Enterprise focused on the design and scalable delivery of digital teaching and learning models to increase student success and reduce barriers to achievement in higher education. We advance the economic, social, cultural, and overall health of the local, national and international communities served by ASU.

EdPlus at ASU

ASU offers a total compensation package that includes valuable employee benefits. Click here to explore options.

•  Healthcare
•  Financial Security
•  Retirement
•  Family Resources
•  Tuition Reduction (Eligible ASU Employee, their dependents and spouse.)
•  Discounts

Job Family

Business Operations

Department Name

EdPlus Finance & Business Admn

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

Grant Funded Position

This is not a grant funded position and is not contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

Depends on experience

Essential Duties

Responsibilities: 

• Interact proactively and collaboratively with executive leadership teams on a regular basis to understand and discuss current operational needs and expectactions.
• Direct all annual planning and budgeting processes.
• Continuously develop tools/systems and automate processes to better manage the budgeting and forecasting solutions and processes as well as enhanced reporting.
• Build clear, accurate and reliable predictive forecast modeling for multiple functional areas.
• Review historical data, predict future results, analyze and explain budget variances.
• Review data and analysis to develop insightful suggestions for strategic business decisions.
• Review operations for cost-savings opportunities and work cross-functionally to incorporate. 
• Coordinate, prepare and monthly, quarterly and annual reporting to the Enterprise both through Workday and it’s planning tools, and via excel and PowerPoint.
• Perform quantitative analysis required for strategic planning, special projects, and reports for management and communicate results to management team.
• Prepare other reports and participate in other special projects, as requested.
• Assumes or coordinates other duties or projects as assigned or directed.

• Able to break down complex processes and their inputs and dependencies, into simpler and manageable tasks 
• Curious with a love for problem-solving that results in sustainable proactive solutions 
• Very comfortable with ambiguity
• A strong communicator and collaborator and work effectively with all members of the organization, from individual contributors to top execs
• Highly analytical and strategic. Your problem-solving skills are unparalleled.
• Able to maintain a friendly disposition — even (and especially) under pressure
• Quick on your feet!  When problems arise, you reliably produce responses and sustainable solutions.
• Able to collaborate with a diverse network of people
• Skilled and experienced at actively delivering innovative solutions. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field and eight (8) to ten (10) years of administrative experience, which includes at least five (5) years of supervisory experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

What you'll need:

• Evidence of a Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting
• Professional experience required. (10 years)
• Experience managing the FP&A function.(5 years)
• Analytical skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills with ability to get to root cause.
• Ability to challenge the status quo and seek innovative and optimal ways of supporting the business needs.
• Financial modeling skills, along with understanding of financial reporting best practices
• Innate sense of urgency and the ability to make smart decisions under pressure
• A positive, “How can I help?” attitude.
• Tenacity to understand results and processes and passion to improve them. 
• Ability to self-direct and capable of strategically prioritizing multiple tasks in a proactive manner.
• Solid skills with a large ERP/Financial System and ability to learn Workday.
• Experience working collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, and outside parties to maximize performance, creativity, problem solving, and resolutions.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and desire.   
• Evidence of an effective communication style that is persuasive, motivating and supportive (verbal and written, as you will be preparing presentations)
• Experience managing quickly changing priorities which may include resolution of conflicts.
• Passionate about collaboration and ensuring our unit is successful.
• Principled but flexible and hardworking
• Ability to demonstrate and promote a culture committed to EdPlus’ Core Values 
• Business acumen & judgment to communicate and influence Sr/Executive Management
• An entrepreneurial mindset (i.e., self-motivated and displays strong initiative)

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with higher education, academic, and university policies, procedures and best practices.
• Experience with Workday and Adaptive Planning.

Working Environment

EdPlus at ASU is located at SkySong, the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center. The center houses a diverse business community that links technology, research, education, and entrepreneurship to position ASU and Greater Phoenix as global leaders in the knowledge economy.

Activities are primarily performed in a regular, climate-controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting or standing. Daily use of desktop or laptop computer is required. Ability to clearly communicate verbally in English, read, write, see, and hear to perform essential duties. Regular review of completed tasks.

EdPlus at ASU supports flexible work options, ranging from alternate work schedules to hybrid remote work schedules, subject to approvals per ASU policy.

Department Statement

EdPlus defines itself through a culture of curiosity, risk-taking and refusing to accept the status quo. As a central enterprise unit for ASU focused on the design and scalable delivery of digital teaching and learning models to increase student success and reduce barriers to achievement in higher education, our commitments support the university charter. ASU is a national service university and aspires to accelerate positive social outcomes through the seamless integration of cutting-edge technological innovation and scalability.
EdPlus employees are valued, respected, and encouraged to be their unique selves. We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in everything we do. We know that our ability to deliver high-quality services and educational experiences is strengthened by the diversity of our employees. Our innovative culture drives outcomes through serving learners, achieving milestones, striving for excellence, solving problems, feeling a sense of urgency, and being bold.

EdPlus at ASU

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU PD at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources .

Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume and cover letter should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Applicant must be eligible to work in the United States; EdPlus at ASU will not be a sponsor for this position.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.