The Director of Budget and Planning

The Director of Budget and Planning is responsible for leading the development, monitoring, and analysis of Ursinus College’s annual operating and capital budgets, multi-year financial forecasts, and related reporting. This position partners with academic and administrative leaders to ensure that budgetary decisions align with institutional priorities, support financial sustainability, and comply with College policies. The Budget Manager serves as a key resource for budget planning, training, and analysis, and plays a pivotal role in improving the College’s budgeting processes through the use of data and technology.

Key Responsibilities

Budget Development & Forecasting

• Lead the preparation of the College’s annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Develop and maintain multi-year financial projections and scenario models to support long-range planning.
• Coordinate with departments to collect, review, and consolidate budget requests.
• Analyze revenue and expenditure trends to inform recommendations for budget adjustments.

Budget Monitoring & Reporting

• Provide monthly, quarterly, and annual budget-to-actual reports for leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Monitor variances and collaborate with departments to address significant deviations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for budget-related inquiries from department leaders.

Process & System Improvement

• Optimize the budgeting process using Oracle ERP and reporting tools.
• Establish standardized templates, timelines, and guidelines for budget submissions.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, transparency, and accuracy in budget operations.

Training & Collaboration

• Provide training and guidance to budget managers and department heads on budget preparation, monitoring, and policy compliance.
• Partner with Finance, Human Resources, and Procurement to ensure alignment between budget, payroll, and purchasing activities.
• Support financial analysis projects and special initiatives as assigned by the Controller or Vice President for Finance & Administration.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in budgeting, financial analysis, or related finance roles; higher education experience preferred.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (Oracle Cloud experience highly desirable) and advanced Excel skills.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative, service-oriented approach to working with campus partners.

Competencies and Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Collaborative partner who fosters teamwork and builds trust across departments.
• High ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality.
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for non-financial audiences.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to work seamlessly across departments to achieve shared goals.
• Proactive problem-solver who anticipates challenges and identifies opportunities to improve financial planning processes.

Interested candidates should apply here