Manager - Financial Planning & Analysis - IL

The Manager - Financial Planning & Analysis will lead the annual budgeting and long-term financial planning processes, develop rolling forecasts, and analyze sales and profitability across different product lines. This role is crucial in aligning financial plans with strategic growth objectives and providing data-driven insights to the executive team for impactful decision-making.

To qualify for the Manager - Financial Planning & Analysis position, candidates should possess an undergraduate degree in finance or accounting, with an MBA preferred. A minimum of five years of experience in financial reporting, modeling, and analysis, particularly within the consumer products industry, is essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Excel.

The Manager - Financial Planning & Analysis supports the executive team by providing critical insights derived from financial data. You will analyze sales trends and profitability, conduct variance analysis, and develop presentations for monthly and quarterly financial reports, ensuring that the leadership is equipped with the information they need to make informed strategic decisions.

Success in the Manager - Financial Planning & Analysis role requires outstanding collaboration skills, exceptional leadership abilities, and a knack for problem-solving. Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the capacity to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to various stakeholders across the company.

During the financial modeling processes, the Manager - Financial Planning & Analysis will engage in various tasks, including building financial models to evaluate new business opportunities, assess product launches, and analyze market expansions. The role also involves developing cash flow models and forecasts to strategically guide the company's financial direction.

To prioritize competing tasks effectively, I assess the urgency and impact of each financial task on the company's strategic objectives. I focus on alignments with high-stakes projects, utilizing project management tools to keep everything organized and ensure timely delivery.

In my previous roles, I have led numerous financial forecasting initiatives, using historical data and market trends to create realistic projections. I adapted forecasts based on evolving business conditions, ensuring that stakeholders always had accurate information to work with.

My approach involves dissecting the sales data and cost structures associated with each product line to evaluate profitability options. I look for trends, variances, and underlying issues while collaborating with other departments to gain a holistic view of profitability drivers.

To enhance reporting tools, I focus on incorporating dynamic dashboards and data visualization techniques. I believe that providing stakeholders with accessible and intuitive reports will improve response agility to financial decisions and opportunities.

When building a financial model for a new product launch, I begin by analyzing market potential and estimating revenue streams. I incorporate cost projections, expected sales volumes, and assess risk factors to create a comprehensive model that informs product viability.

I have conducted comprehensive M&A analysis by evaluating target companies' financial health, market position, and growth potential. My analysis includes financial modeling to project post-merger synergies and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

Financial planning plays a crucial role in strategic growth by providing insights into resource allocation and evaluating potential opportunities. It helps in aligning financial goals with overall business strategies and forecasting future challenges.

Fostering collaboration requires clear communication and understanding. I actively engage with different departments to gather insights and share data findings, ensuring everyone is on the same page and that we work together towards a shared goal.

I employ a combination of data analysis and best-practice reviews to identify cost-saving opportunities. This involves scrutinizing operational expenses and collaborating with various teams to pinpoint inefficiencies that can be streamlined for better financial performance.

In my previous role, my insights from a profitability analysis led to a significant shift in our product mix strategy, resulting in a targeted approach to promotions that increased overall sales margins by 15% within a quarter.