Budget and Project Analyst

Penn National Insurance - Harrisburg, PA

Full-time - Mid Level

Harrisburg, PA

Insurance Carriers and Related Activities

About the position

Come join Penn National Insurance's world-class Finance team as a Budget and Project Analyst! This position supports various divisions budgeting and outlook processes. The scope of the position includes the analysis, gathering, compiling and development of budget information utilizing historical and current data. The incumbent works with departmental/senior management during preparation and monitoring of the division's budget. This position also compiles and presents data, utilized by others within the various divisions, to base operational or financial decisions upon. Additionally, the incumbent completes a variety of tasks in support of operational and strategic projects. The Budget and Project Analyst is responsible for compiling annual budget information for assigned division(s), which may include multiple locations or budget centers. The data is provided by various sources, including Field/LOB Managers, Finance, and Admin Services, and is compiled into databases or systems for the overall division budget. The role may involve project work that varies in length and complexity, typically serving a contributory role within larger projects. Duties may consist of gathering and reporting on data comparisons to support decisions, such as vendor selection or equipment requisition. The analyst conducts analysis of historical data against current data, gathering explanations from others to explain anomalies for senior management review. They explore data to develop insights and pose further questions for business discussions or continued research. The position requires maintaining and reporting on budget activities, including variance and outlook reporting, and interpreting financial department policies to resolve significant issues such as errors with chargebacks and accruals. The analyst conducts expense analysis, identifies trends for senior management, and develops tools and instructions to facilitate budget creation and monitoring. In addition, the Budget and Project Analyst is expected to effectively communicate analytical results graphically and via narrative, fostering meaningful discussions of results by senior management or division managers. They apply data to solve common business problems and maintain an awareness of industry analytics and data trends, sharing insights and resources with team members. The role also involves performing various projects as requested or assigned by the Manager of Financial Analysis.

Responsibilities

• Compiles annual budget information for assigned division(s), which may include multiple locations or budget centers.
• Conducts analysis of historical data against current data, gathering explanations from others to explain anomalies for senior management review.
• Maintains and reports on activities for the budget including support of variance reporting and outlook reporting.
• Correctly interprets financial department's policies to research and resolve significant issues such as errors with chargebacks and accruals.
• Conducts expense analysis and identifies trends for senior management.
• Develops tools and instructions to facilitate budget creation, monitoring, and creation of outlooks.
• Compiles, manipulates, and analyzes data of varying complexity.
• Provides monitoring, analysis, and oversight on strategic project budgets and trending.
• Reports division results by gathering, formatting, and presenting data in an intuitive fashion.
• Effectively communicates analytical results graphically and via narrative.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years' relevant experience in budget processing, including expense and/or data analysis.
• Strong problem solving, oral/written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills required.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, with focused attention to the accuracy and consistency of reported data.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of Oracle budgeting software preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of data systems to assist in obtaining and reporting data.
• Strong knowledge in creating and maintaining spreadsheets and other automated data storage systems, including proficiency in Excel.

Nice-to-haves

• Continuing education in insurance related courses preferred.

Benefits

• Generous 401k match
• Graded profit sharing
• Recognition programs
• Incentive compensation
• Remote access
• Flex-scheduling
• Dress-for-your-day dress code
• Continuing education and professional development support.