Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist

Auburn University, United States

Updated: 19 days ago
Location: Auburn, ALABAMA
Deadline: ;

Position Details
Position Information


Requisition Number S3483P
Home Org Name Budget and Planning Services
Division Name AVP, Budgets & Business Operations
Position Title Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist
Job Class Code KA53
Appointment Status Full-time
Part-time FTE
Limited Term No
Limited Term Length
Job Summary
The Department of Budget and Planning Services is excited to begin the search for a Financial Planning and Analysis Specialist! This individual will assist in the analysis of management statements, plans, and models that support the University’s strategic plans for program creation and stability (at the institutional level, as well as for the colleges/units).
Selected candidates will be hired at the Specialist or Senior Specialist level, depending on education and experience.
Why should YOU consider a career with Auburn University?
  • Auburn University was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the state of Alabama’s best employers, with employees staying an average of ten years!
  • Competitive employee benefits + state retirement plan.
  • Tuition assistance for you and your dependents.
  • Generous leave policies (including paid parental leave!)
  • The satisfaction of knowing YOU are a part of providing the premier academic experience at Auburn and the life-changing work our students and employees perform.


Learn more about Auburn’s impact, generous employee benefits, and thriving community by visiting aub.ie/working-for-auburn.
It’s a Lifestyle: The Auburn/Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development. Paralleling the exponential growth of Auburn University, the Auburn/Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest. We’re proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town. You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham. If you’re new to Auburn, we’d love to introduce you. If you’re already acquainted with Auburn, we’ll keep it simple: it’s time to come home!
Our Commitment: Auburn University is committed to a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Visit auburn.edu/inclusion to learn more about our commitment to expanding equity and inclusion for all.
Essential Functions
Essential Functions for the Specialist level include:

  • Assist in gathering necessary data for validation and testing for overall deployment of new models to ensure an accurate and successful project within Anaplan.
  • Assists with basic troubleshooting and provides recommendations for solutions. Interacts with Budget and Planning team to enhance the platform based on feedback from campus.
  • Participate in the preparation of comparative and historical analysis by gathering necessary information and data.
  • Participates in data analysis; gathers, compiles and manipulates data; may determine analytical methods to be used; identifies inconsistencies or significant findings.
  • Assists in maintaining existing Anaplan models for annual planning, forecasting, reporting, and consolidations.
  • Prepares and analyzes financial performance on weekly and monthly basis to identify key trends and variances.
  • Collaborates on quarterly reporting package to management by analyzing performance versus key benchmarks and progress towards institutional goals / initiatives.
  • Collaborate with finance teams to support all business functions by recommending and assisting in the building of business-specific dashboards for departments/leaders across the organization, including assisting in the building of long-term financial plans for auxiliary and other units.
  • Assists in the preparation of detailed presentations of comprehensive materials; prepares graphs, charts, etc., for presentations.



Salaries are determined based on factors which include experience and education as they relate to the minimum qualifications of the position and departmental budget. A more realistic salary range that we would be able to offer to most well-qualified candidates is $60,067-$71,433.
Essential Functions for the Sr. Specialist level include:
  • Partners with cross-functional budget team to develop road map, identify needs, and understand existing models. Assists in the process of translating into efficiently built and enhanced Anaplan solutions for the purpose of fulfilling budgeting and reporting needs across various units on campus.
  • Assists in data validation, testing, and overall deployment of new models to ensure an accurate and successful project within Anaplan. Troubleshoots system and provides recommendations for solutions. Interacts with Budget and Planning Services team to enhance the platform based on feedback from campus.
  • Coordinates, compiles, and analyzes financial data for the institution. Develops future enhancements of existing models to drive planning efficiency and growth that is then utilized to provide information to Business and Finance leadership.
  • Continuously identify gaps and opportunities for projects that will streamline workflows and overall processes. Collaborate with internal teams to identify areas of opportunity for data automation and efficiency.
  • Collaborates with finance teams across campus to help solve financial challenges including building long-term financial plans in auxiliary areas and other units.
  • Develops business-specific dashboards for improved decision-making.

Salaries are determined based on factors which include experience and education as they relate to the minimum qualifications of the position and departmental budget. A more realistic salary range that we would be able to offer to most well-qualified candidates is $75,367 – $91,233.

Minimum Qualifications


Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Data Analytics, Statistics, or a related field. A CPA can be substituted for a specific degree.
Specialist Level - Bachelor’s degree
Sr. Specialist Level – Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of experience in financial planning and analysis or financial modeling

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications


Minimum Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of generally-accepted accounting practices and principles, ability to analyze financial data, knowledge and demonstration of best practices in budgeting and financial planning.
  • Knowledge of Excel and data analysis
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to explain finance, accounting, and budget related topics
  • Ability to work independently and think creatively
  • Ability to learn model building and maintenance
  • Ability to develop analysis methodologies and metrics
Minimum Technology Skills
  • Ability to learn, navigate, and administer budget and long-term financial planning software.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable with large data sets or any experience with coding and/or software development.
Minimum License and Certifications

Desired Qualifications


Desired Qualifications
  • Experience in financial planning and analysis or financial modeling.
  • Experience in Anaplan

Posting Detail Information


Salary Range $48,700-$107,100
Job Category Business/Accounting/Finance
Working Hours if Non-Traditional
City position is located in: Auburn
State position is located: Alabama
List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position
Posting Date 03/19/2024
Closing Date
EEO Statement
Auburn University is committed to an inclusive and diverse campus environment. Women, underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.
AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Quick Link for Internal Postings https://www.auemployment.com/postings/44059

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