Senior Manager Financial Planning & Analyst, Special Projects
At 2U, we are all in on purpose. We are motivated by our mission – to eliminate the back row in education – and connected by our shared passion to deliver world-class digital education at scale. As the parent company of edX, the world’s leading online learning platform, 2U powers more than 4,000 online higher education offerings – from free courses to full degrees. Together with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporate partners, we are helping to unlock human potential.
What We’re Looking For:
The Finance team at 2U provides strategic financial leadership and analytical support to cross-functional partners across our organization. Our goal is to help maximize the financial performance and operational effectiveness of each department in support of 2U’s mission to expand access to high-quality education. Whether it’s evaluating new initiatives, modeling complex scenarios, or driving process improvement, this role will play a critical role in informing decision-making across the company.
This role goes beyond traditional forecasting; it's about driving change and delivering value through special projects that cut across the business. You’ll act as a strategic thought partner to senior leadership and a people leader to a team of financial analysts, owning complex financial modeling, business case development, and decision-support for new and ongoing initiatives across the company.
This role is ideal for a highly analytical and collaborative finance leader who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments and is passionate about applying financial discipline to strategic decision-making in the EdTech space
Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:
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FP&A and Strategic Projects
- Lead and oversee cross-functional financial projects, including business case development, scenario modeling, operational improvements, and resource optimization
- Build and manage complex financial models to evaluate strategic initiatives, new program launches, or investment opportunities
- Identify and analyze financial trends, opportunities, and risks across the business, and provide actionable recommendations to senior leadership
- Drive the evolution of FP&A processes, tools, and insights that support improved decision-making at the enterprise level
- Develops strategic objectives to drive results and efficiency
- Prepare and deliver clear, executive-ready presentations and reporting materials that shape company-wide decisions. Present to senior and executive leadership.
- Lead the preparation of Board-level reporting and monthly management information packs, including variance analysis and strategic commentary; oversee quarterly forecasting and deliver timely, insightful ad hoc analysis to support data-driven decision-making across the business.
- Review P&Ls and compare actual results to identify, explain and correct variances as appropriate
- Analyze operating results and identify key financial and operating areas to be addressed
- Aid in the quarterly strategic planning process through preparation of data aggregation and analysis, future margin forecasting, and other requested supporting growth metrics
- Together with the Accounting and Compliance teams, ensure that effective internal controls are in place and ensure compliance with federal regulations
- Special projects across FP&A as assigned
Team Leadership & People Development
- Serve as a leader within the broader FP&A team, contributing to knowledge sharing and team-wide development
- Manage and support the development of 1+ direct reports (Financial Analysts or Senior Financial Analysts)
- Set and communicate clear goals, oversee day-to-day prioritization, and support team development through coaching and feedback
- Promote analytical rigor and a strategic mindset within the team, cultivating a high-performance and collaborative culture
Stakeholder Management & Strategic Partnership
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and cross-functional partners, providing financial insights and project leadership on key business initiatives
- Build strong, productive relationships across departments to ensure alignment on strategic priorities and financial implications
Things That Should Be In Your Background:
- 5+ years of progressive experience in FP&A, strategic finance, or corporate finance roles
- Bachelor’s degree required; Finance, Accounting, Economics preferred
- Experience managing direct reports and/or leading teams
- Proven track record of leading cross-functional financial projects or strategic initiatives
- Demonstrated experience cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with employees at multiple levels: peer, manager, executive
- Advanced knowledge and ability with financial modeling, Excel, Powerpoint, Workday Adaptive Planning or similar tool
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills
Other Attributes That Will Help You In This Role:
- Analytical thinker with excellent attention to detail
- Self-motivated and able to thrive in a fast paced environment
- Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for improvement and make constructive suggestions for change
- Enthusiasm and the ability to thrive in an environment of constant change
Working Conditions:
- Standard 8-hour workday required with additional hours as needed
- Minimal travel may be required as needed
Physical Requirements:
- The position requires prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
Management Responsibilities
- Sr Financial Analyst
- Financial Analyst
While this position is open to remote candidates across the U.S., we will prioritize those who live in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area and who are available to come into our Headquarters in Arlington, VA three days a week.
Benefits & Culture
Our global employee base is a diverse collection of innovators, dreamers, and doers working together to transform lives through higher education. We believe that every employee can advance our shared purpose, and that life at 2U should be fun and meaningful. If you’re excited by the opportunity to provide over 40 million learners and counting with access to world-class online higher education, then join us – and do work that makes a difference. #NoBackRow
We offer comprehensive benefits (unique per country) and excellent work/life balance.
Full-time, U.S. benefits include:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Life insurance, disability, and 401(k) employer match
- Free snacks and drinks in-office
- Generous paid holidays and leave policies, including unlimited PTO
- Additional time off benefits include: volunteer days, parental leave, and a company-wide winter break
The anticipated base salary range for this role is ($139,000-$167,000), with potential bonus eligibility. Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, budget for the position and cost of labor in the market in which the candidate will be hired.
2U Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At 2U, we are committed to building and sustaining a culture of belonging, respect, and inclusion. We are proud of the steps we’ve taken to bring together an employee base that embodies diverse walks of life, ideas, genders, ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, abilities and other unique qualities. We strive to offer a workplace where every employee feels empowered by what makes us different, as well as by how we are alike.
2U is committed to providing reasonable accommodations during our recruitment process. If you need assistance or accommodations, please reach out to us at: recruitingaccommodations@2u.com.
About 2U LLC
For more than a decade, 2U, Inc. has been the digital transformation partner of choice to great non-profit colleges and universities delivering high-quality online education at scale. As the parent company of edX, a leading global online learning platform, 2U provides over 45 million learners with access to world-class education in partnership with more than 230 colleges, universities, and corporations. Our people and technology are powering more than 4,000 digital education offerings — from free courses to full degrees — and helping unlock human potential. To learn more: visit 2U.com.
About edX
edX is the education movement for restless learners and a leading global online learning platform from 2U, LLC. Together with the majority of the world’s top-ranked universities and industry-leading companies, we bring our community of over 45 million learners world-class education to support them at every stage of their lives and careers, from free courses to full degrees. And we're not stopping there — we're relentlessly pursuing our vision of a world where every learner can access education to unlock their potential, without the barriers of cost or location. Learn more at edX.org.
Learn more at https://2u.com/careers/
#NoBackRow
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
2U is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against applicants or employees and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship, military or veterans’ status, or any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. 2U’s equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, job benefits and pay.