Financial Planning & Analysis Controller

As the Financial Planning & Analysis Controller at Avis Greece, you will engage in preparing financial reports essential for business needs, conduct variance analysis, and assist in the monthly, quarterly, and yearly closing processes. Your role will involve analyzing budgeting and accounting reports and maintaining controls over expenditures. This position plays a critical part in supporting the budgeting process and providing insights into key performance indicators.

Applicants for the Financial Planning & Analysis Controller role at Avis Greece should possess a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or economics. Additionally, having a professional qualification, an MBA, or master's degree is considered an asset. A minimum of four years of relevant experience in FP&A, finance, reporting, or controlling divisions is required, along with strong analytical abilities and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

The Financial Planning & Analysis Controller contributes to Avis Greece’s success by providing in-depth financial insights that guide business decisions. By conducting thorough analyses, preparing comprehensive reports, and identifying opportunities for financial improvements, this role directly influences the company’s strategic planning and budgeting processes, ultimately driving performance and achieving financial goals.

Working as a Financial Planning & Analysis Controller at Avis Greece comes with numerous benefits. You'll enjoy a competitive salary and bonus scheme, a hybrid work model, and comprehensive health and life insurance. Additionally, Avis offers a pension plan program, supportive onboarding, monthly perks for food and coffee, and ongoing training opportunities, all in a dynamic and growing industry.

Key skills essential for the Financial Planning & Analysis Controller role at Avis Greece include solid analytical capabilities, a deep understanding of accounting principles, and expertise in financial and reporting processes. Proficiency in advanced Microsoft Excel and familiarity with data visualization tools like Power BI are also important, as they will be utilized to generate insightful reports that influence decision-making.

When discussing your financial reporting process in interviews, focus on your methodology for collecting data, ensuring accuracy, and creating reports. Be sure to highlight specific tools like Excel or Power BI that you have used and how your reporting has supported business decisions or outcomes.

In answering this question, describe your process for comparing budgeted versus actual figures, and how you identify discrepancies. Discuss methods you use to investigate the reasons behind variances, and how this analysis has led to actionable recommendations in your past roles.

When responding, mention tools that you have experience with, such as advanced Excel features, Power BI, or specialized financial planning software. Share specific examples of how you've used these tools to enhance your financial analysis and reporting processes.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer, clearly articulating the context, the inefficiency you discovered, the action you took to address it, and the positive outcome resulting from your intervention.

Discuss your time management techniques, such as setting clear priorities based on deadlines and project importance. Mention any tools or frameworks you use, like Gantt charts or task management software, to keep your projects organized and on track.

Emphasize your understanding of relevant regulations and best practices in financial reporting. Explain your approach to maintaining up-to-date knowledge, performing regular reviews, and collaborating with compliance teams to ensure that all reports meet legal and organizational standards.

Discuss your commitment to continuous learning through professional development, subscriptions to financial publications, participation in webinars, and engagement in industry forums. This shows your proactive approach to staying informed about the evolving financial landscape.

Outline your systematic approach to reviewing budget performance, which might include gathering data, comparing actuals versus budgeted figures, and conducting team discussions to gain insights. Share how you present your findings and recommend adjustments based on your analysis.

In your response, emphasize qualities such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. Explain how these attributes contribute to effectively collaborating with various teams and delivering precise financial insights that drive business decisions.

Discuss the importance of open communication and collaboration in resolving such disagreements. Explain how you would gather additional data, facilitate discussions, and use evidence to support interpretations, ultimately focusing on reaching consensus or finding a compromise.