Budget and Financial Planning Analyst Senior

The University of Michigan ITS Finance team invites a skilled budget and financial planning professional to join onsite in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This hybrid, full-time role offers a comprehensive benefits package, a salary range of $84,000 to $95,000 per year, and the opportunity to influence financial decisions in a nonprofit, higher education setting. As a Senior Budget and Financial Planning Analyst, you will collaborate with department leaders to deliver practical guidance, robust forecasting, and informed recommendations that support operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted finance partner to the Finance Director, ITS leadership, and department stakeholders by delivering budget guidance, financial stewardship, and actionable recommendations.
• Build, maintain, and oversee annual budgets and multi-year forecasts using Excel and university financial systems.
• Engage with assigned departments to understand business needs, funding sources, planned spending, staffing assumptions, service needs, and financial risks.
• Monitor actual revenue and expenses against budget and forecast; identify variances, explain drivers, and propose timely adjustments.
• Update forecasts throughout the year as actual results emerge, priorities change, or new financial information becomes available.
• Guide non-financial stakeholders through budget planning, financial results, spending decisions, and tradeoffs with clear, accessible language.
• Deliver a high level of customer service by providing responsive guidance, clear communication, and appropriate expectation-setting to ensure strong financial stewardship.
• Participate in annual budgeting and forecasting processes, including developing assumptions, reviewing planned expenses, identifying risks and opportunities, and aligning with available funding.
• Collaborate with ITS leaders to develop business cases for initiatives, investments, staffing changes, service needs, and operational changes.
• Strengthen financial stewardship through accurate transaction reviews, reconciliations, internal controls, and audit-ready documentation; resolve discrepancies and ensure timely corrections.
• Interpret and apply university financial policies; advise teams on compliant, practical, and efficient financial processes.
• Identify and quantify efficiency opportunities, including process improvements, vendor/license optimization, cost management, and better use of resources.
• Collaborate across ITS to improve budget accuracy, forecasting reliability, financial processes, and customer understanding of financial responsibilities.
• Lead or contribute to cross-functional projects that align financial recommendations with ITS strategy, customer needs, and organizational priorities.
• Apply big-picture thinking to connect budget decisions with ITS strategies, service commitments, and customer needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field with a solid foundation in accounting and financial principles.
• Five or more years of progressive experience in financial analysis, accounting, budgeting, and forecasting, including fund accounting or similar experience.
• Proven experience building and maintaining budgets, forecasts, or financial models in Excel.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams and build trusted relationships with department customers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
• Comfort with technology, including financial systems, spreadsheets, and collaboration platforms.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to build practical, accurate, and user-friendly Excel budget models and financial tools.
• Experience managing budgets in partnership with department leaders and adjusting forecasts as actual activity changes.
• Capability to provide thoughtful financial guidance that supports both operational and long-term decision-making.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and developing strong stakeholder relationships.
• Skill in translating business needs into actionable financial recommendations.
• Ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly in a service-oriented manner.
• Team-oriented approach with accountability for individual contributions.

Technologies

• Excel
• ERP systems
• Financial reporting tools

Benefits

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan with two-for-one employer matching contributions and immediate vesting
• Comprehensive health insurance options
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Dental and vision insurance
• Parental and maternity leave