Financial Data Analyst

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University. William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community—designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution—committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes’ Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award. Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond. William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community—designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution—committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes’ Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award. Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond. Position Summary Under the direction of the Associate Vice President for Budget and Fiscal Planning (AVP), the Financial Data Analyst assists in all phases of the development, management and analysis of the University's planning and operational budget. This position will have access to highly confidential information, such as long-range financial goals for the University, salary forecasts, programmatic changes, capital budgeting strategies and specific financial analyses of special projects. Major Duties and Responsibilities Primary responsible for the development and maintenance of advanced Excel-based budget models to support strategic planning, annual budget development, multi-year forecasting, and informed financial decision-making. Performs advanced financial analyses to support the development and administration of departmental budgets across the entire University. Supports the configuration and maintenance of the Workday Finance system, including creating and updating financial setups, developing and revising reports, and troubleshooting issues to ensure accurate and efficient financial operations. Reviews and processes budget amendments and assists with budget transfers and encumbrance processing to maintain compliance and accuracy. Analyzes budget patterns, projects expenditures, investigates variances, identifies potential issues, and collaborates with the Budget Team to develop solutions and resolve discrepancies. Participate in the creation and implementation of policies, procedures, practices, and systems related to the budgeting process for the University in collaboration with the Budget Team. Supports the development of tools that help units enhance and automate their daily operations, while also exploring ways AI can be leveraged to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Assists in the development and preparation of the annual budget request to the State. Creates and provides end-user training, supplemented by instructional videos designed to reinforce learning and improve understanding of budgeting and financial processes. Supports the development and ongoing maintenance of the Budget Office and Workday documentation, including manuals and process guides. Develops sound working relationships with University departments in dealing with budgetary matters. Participates in division and university-wide events, committees, and task forces as needed. Performs additional responsibilities as assigned, consistent with the scope and purpose of the position. Education and Experience Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field from an accredited University. Three (3) years of work experience workin