Job Description
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. Job Summary: Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Budget and Fiscal Planning (AVP), the Budget & Systems Analyst supports all phases of the University’s planning and budgeting processes, including development, management, and analysis. The role is responsible for building and maintaining advanced Excel-based models and assisting with the complex configuration and ongoing support of budget systems within Finance & Administration. This position works with highly confidential information, including long-range financial plans, salary projections, program changes, capital budgeting strategies, and financial analyses related to special projects. Major Duties and Responsibilities Leads the development and maintenance of advanced Excel-based models to support annual budget development and multi-year financial forecasting. Performs financial analyses to support the development, management, projection and monitoring of departmental budgets across the University. Supports the complex configuration, maintenance, and optimization of budget systems (Workday and new planning system), including maintaining financial structures, developing reports, and troubleshooting system issues. Develops dashboards and visual reports to communicate financial trends and insights to leadership. Monitors budget-to-actual activity analyze trends and variances and collaborate with the Budget team to identify risks and recommend solutions to campus. Assists in the development and implementation of budgeting policies, procedures, and best practices in coordination with the Budget team. Supports the development of tools and process improvements that enhance efficiency, including automation and the application of emerging technologies where appropriate. Assists in the preparation and submission of the University’s annual budget request to the State. Develops and delivers training and supporting materials, including guides and videos, to improve user understanding of budgeting processes and systems to campus-wide audiences. Maintains and updates Budget Office and system documentation, including procedures, manuals, and process workflows. Reviews and processes budget amendments and assists with budget transfers and encumbrance activity to ensure accuracy and compliance with established guidelines. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with campus partners to support budget development and ongoing financial management. Participates in divisional and University-wide committees, projects, and initiatives as needed. Performs other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field from an accredited University. Minimum three (3) years’ work experience developing and maintaining advanced excel models, preferably within an institution of higher education. Competencies/Skills Required Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain complex financial models to assist the budgeting and forecasting. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, with a strong emphasis on Excel, including expertise in lookup functions, conditional calculations, logical formulas, error handling, and dynamic array functions. Strong ability to perform detailed financial analysis, reconciliations and investigate variances from expected results. Proficient accounting knowledge, and the ability to assist with G