Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, youll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, youll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Commission for Higher Education:

Created in 1971, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE, Commission) is the States higher education coordinating agency, driven to improve economic and social mobility for fellow Hoosiers through postsecondary education and training, and is a part of Governor Mike Brauns Office of Education. The Commission also administers Indiana's state financial aid programs, including 21st Century Scholars, which celebrates 35 years in 2025. More information can be found at che.in.gov.

Role Overview:

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer for Higher Education, the Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) is a key leadership position within the Commission's Finance team responsible for informing and driving the financial strategy, analysis, and long-range projections that inform Indiana's higher education funding decisions. This position is a key player in the financial modeling and forecasting of state financial aid programs and university funding allocations, providing actionable insights to Commission leadership and external stakeholders including the Indiana General Assembly and the State Budget Agency.

The Manager of FP&A will work in close collaboration with the Commission's Business Intelligence (BI) team and the State Director of Financial Aid to integrate data analytics capabilities into financial planning processes, ensure data integrity across financial reporting systems, and develop scalable analytical tools and dashboards.

Salary:

This position typically offers a salary range of $65,000 to $75,000 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Financial Analysis & Projections:

• Provide critical interpretation and contribute to the maintenance of multi-year financial models and forecasts for state financial aid programs, including the Frank O'Bannon Grant, 21st Century Scholars, and other Commission-administered financial aid programs.
• Develop and maintain financial projection models for university funding allocations, including performance-based funding formulas, base appropriations, capital investment, program expenses, and other special legislative initiatives.
• Analyze budget variances, enrollment trends, and policy changes to assess their financial impact on state aid expenditures and university funding; prepare concise summaries and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Monitor appropriations balances and expenditure trends throughout the fiscal year, providing timely updates to leadership and flagging potential shortfalls or surpluses.
• Support program expansion and approvals processes by evaluating financial solvency to inform final determinations.
• Prepare financial analyses and fiscal notes in support of proposed legislation, administrative rules, and policy changes affecting higher education funding.
• Support the preparation of the Commission's annual budget requests to the State Budget Agency and the Governor's Office, including documentation of assumptions, historical trends, and programmatic justifications.

Data Analytics & Business Intelligence Collaboration:

• Partner closely with the Business Intelligence (BI) team to align financial data structures with BI reporting frameworks, ensuring consistency and accuracy across financial and operational datasets.
• Contribute to the design and development of financial dashboards, reports, and data visualizations that support executive decision-making and external reporting.
• Leverage data analytics tools and techniques to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities in financial and enrollment data.
• Assist in the documentation and maintenance of data dictionaries, financial data definitions, and reporting specifications to support data governance efforts.

Stakeholder Communication & Leadership:

• Present financial findings, projections, and policy recommendations to Commission leadership, Commission board members, legislators, and other stakeholders in a clear and accessible manner.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on financial aid program finances and university funding, responding to inquiries from internal teams, the General Assembly, and the public.
• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with State Budget Agency staff, Office of Management and Budget, and higher education institution finance officers.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to staff members within the Finance team, supporting professional development and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What Youll Need for Success:

The successful candidate will have:

• Three (3) to five (5) years of full-time professional experience.
• Thorough knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) principles and their application in higher education or public sector financial reporting.
• Demonstrated experience with financial modeling, forecasting, and long-range financial planning in a higher education, government, or public finance environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex financial models, pivot tables, Power Query, and macro development.
• Familiarity with higher education financial structures, including institutional funding models, financial aid program administration, and state appropriations processes.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to synthesize large datasets, isolate key drivers of financial trends, and communicate findings to non-technical audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to prepare clear, well-organized financial reports and present to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships across teams and with external partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

The following qualifications are not required but will strengthen a candidate's application:

• Experience with R or Python for data analysis, statistical modeling, or reporting automation.
• Experience working with business intelligence platforms such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools.
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or other relevant professional certification.
• Experience in a state government financial role or with Indiana's state budgeting and appropriations processes.
• Experience working with financial aid management systems or higher education student information systems.
• Knowledge of Indiana higher education policy, funding formulas, and the Commission's strategic priorities.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.