Financial Planning Analyst
💰 $70,000 - $105,000
🎯 Role Definition
Are you a numbers-driven storyteller with a passion for shaping business strategy? We're looking for a proactive and insightful Financial Planning Analyst (FP&A) to join our growing finance team. In this pivotal role, you will be more than just a number cruncher; you will be a strategic business partner, providing critical financial insights that drive key decisions. You'll own significant parts of our financial planning processes, from annual budgeting and rolling forecasts to in-depth variance analysis and management reporting. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels at building complex financial models, and can translate complex data into clear, actionable narratives for senior leadership. If you're ready to make a tangible impact and grow your career in a collaborative environment, we want to hear from you.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Junior Financial Analyst / Staff Analyst
- Staff Accountant / Public Accountant (Big 4 or regional firm)
- Business Analyst / Data Analyst
Advancement To:
- Senior Financial Planning Analyst
- Finance Manager / FP&A Manager
- Director of FP&A
Lateral Moves:
- Corporate Development Analyst
- Treasury Analyst
- Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Develop, maintain, and enhance complex financial models to support budgeting, forecasting, and long-range strategic planning initiatives.
- Prepare and consolidate the annual operating budget and quarterly financial forecasts, collaborating with department heads to ensure accuracy and alignment with corporate goals.
- Conduct detailed variance analysis of actual financial performance against budget, forecast, and prior periods, providing insightful commentary on key drivers.
- Prepare and distribute comprehensive monthly and quarterly financial reporting packages for senior management, the executive team, and the Board of Directors.
- Analyze and interpret key performance indicators (KPIs), business drivers, and operational metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Act as a dedicated finance business partner to various departments (e.g., Sales, Marketing, Operations), providing financial guidance and decision support.
- Assist in the financial month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes by providing accrual support and analytical review.
- Develop and present compelling presentations that communicate complex financial information in a clear and concise manner to non-financial audiences.
- Analyze profitability at the product, customer, and segment levels to inform pricing strategies and resource allocation.
- Support the evaluation of strategic initiatives, including new business opportunities, M&A activities, and capital investments, through ROI and DCF analysis.
- Drive process improvements and automation within the FP&A function to increase efficiency and the quality of insights.
- Prepare materials for investor relations, including earnings call scripts, Q&A documents, and investor presentations.
- Manage the tracking, reporting, and forecasting of capital expenditures (CapEx) and operating expenses (OpEx).
- Analyze P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements to provide a holistic view of the company's financial health.
- Perform ad-hoc financial analysis and scenario modeling to support strategic decision-making for senior leadership.
- Consolidate financial results from multiple international entities, managing foreign currency translations and intercompany transactions.
- Partner with the accounting team to ensure financial reporting accuracy and compliance with GAAP/IFRS principles.
- Monitor industry trends, economic conditions, and competitive landscape to incorporate relevant insights into financial projections.
- Assist in the administration and maintenance of financial planning systems and software (e.g., Anaplan, Hyperion, Adaptive Insights).
- Track and analyze headcount, compensation, and other personnel-related expenses in partnership with the HR department.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis from various business stakeholders.
- Contribute to the organization's data governance strategy and roadmap to ensure data integrity.
- Collaborate with business units and IT to translate data needs into technical and engineering requirements.
- Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and other agile ceremonies within the data and finance teams.
- Create and maintain documentation for financial models, processes, and reporting.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Advanced Financial Modeling: Proven ability to build three-statement financial models, DCF, LBO, and scenario analysis from scratch.
- Expert-Level Microsoft Excel: Mastery of pivot tables, complex formulas (INDEX/MATCH, SUMIFS), macros, and Power Query.
- FP&A Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with at least one major EPM/CPM tool such as Anaplan, Oracle Hyperion, Adaptive Insights, or Planful.
- ERP System Knowledge: Familiarity with large-scale ERP systems like SAP, Oracle NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics 365.
- Data Visualization: Competency in creating dashboards and reports using tools like Tableau or Microsoft Power BI.
- Database & SQL: Basic to intermediate SQL skills for querying and extracting data from relational databases.
- Presentation Skills: Proficiency in PowerPoint to create clear, concise, and visually compelling presentations for executive audiences.
- Accounting Principles: Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and/or IFRS and its application to financial analysis and reporting.
- Statistical Analysis: Familiarity with statistical concepts and their application in financial forecasting.
- Data Management: Experience in managing large datasets and ensuring data integrity across multiple systems.
Soft Skills
- Analytical & Critical Thinking: Ability to dissect complex problems, see the "big picture," and provide data-driven recommendations.
- Exceptional Attention to Detail: A commitment to accuracy and precision in all analyses and reports.
- Strong Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate financial concepts to diverse audiences.
- Business Acumen: A strong understanding of business operations and the key drivers of profitability and growth.
- Interpersonal & Collaboration Skills: Ability to build strong relationships and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Problem-Solving: Resourceful and proactive in finding solutions to new and challenging issues.
- Time Management & Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.
- Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced setting and can pivot quickly as priorities change.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college.
Preferred Education:
- Master's in Business Administration (MBA), Master's in Finance, or a related field.
- Professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) are highly regarded.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Economics
- Business Administration
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 3-5 years of progressive experience in financial planning & analysis (FP&A), corporate finance, investment banking, or a related analytical field.
Preferred:
- Experience within a high-growth technology, SaaS, or public company environment is a significant plus.
- Direct experience supporting specific business functions (e.g., G&A, R&D, Sales & Marketing) is highly desirable.