What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Analyst, Financial Planning & Analysis position at ResponsiveEd?
ResponsiveEd is a leading public charter school operator in Texas dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities and fostering student success across our large network of schools. Our mission is to Provide Hope for Students Through Educational Options that Promote a Free Society and Cultivate Moral and Academic Excellence. We're committed to operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and innovative educational practices that prepare our students for a bright future. ResponsiveEd operates more than 100 tuition-free public schools, serving over 20,000 students through a family of diverse school brands including Founders Classical Academy, Ignite Community School, iSchool Virtual Academy, Premier High School, Quest Collegiate Academy, and TexasWorks.
We're looking for a highly motivated and analytical Senior Analyst, Financial Planning & Analysis to join our finance team. Reporting to the VP of Financial Planning & Analysis, you'll be a key contributor to our financial strategy. You'll perform budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis initiatives to support informed decision-making across the organization. This role requires financial acumen, analytical skills, and a proactive approach to identifying trends and opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Budgeting & Forecasting:
- Key contributor in the budgeting process, collaborating with department heads and school leaders to develop and maintain comprehensive and accurate budgets.
- Create financial forecasts, analyzing variances and updating projections based on operational changes and market conditions.
- Implement and improve budgeting and forecasting tools and processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
- Financial Analysis:
- Conduct in-depth financial analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks, providing actionable insights to leadership.
- Perform variance analysis of actual results versus budget and forecast, explaining drivers and recommending corrective actions.
- Develop and maintain financial models to support strategic initiatives, new program evaluations, and operational improvements.
- Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide insights into operational efficiency and financial health.
- Performance Reporting:
- Prepare regular financial performance reports for senior leadership and other stakeholders.
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data used in reporting.
- Strategic Support:
- Collaborate with various departments to understand their financial needs and provide support for financial planning and analysis.
- Assist in the evaluation of potential new schools, programs, and initiatives from a financial perspective.
- Contribute to the development of long-term financial plans and strategies.
- Process Improvement:
- Continuously identify and implement opportunities for process improvement within the FP&A function.
- Leverage technology to streamline financial processes and enhance data analysis capabilities.
Key Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field. MBA or relevant professional certification (CPA, CFA) a plus.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in financial planning and analysis, with a focus on budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
- Proficiency in spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) is essential, including advanced functions, pivot tables, and data modeling.
- Strong knowledge of office productivity suites, with a particular emphasis on Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Slides, etc.) for collaboration and data management.
- Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and a proactive approach to learning new concepts, technologies, and industry best practices.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to translate complex financial data into clear, concise, and actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.
- Competent communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Experience in the education or non-profit sector is a plus, but not required.