Financial Planning and Analysis Manager

As a Financial Planning and Analysis Manager at our Long Beach location, you'll be responsible for leading the entire financial planning and analysis function. This encompasses budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes, as well as managing and developing a team of FP&A analysts. You'll provide actionable insights on financial performance, oversee project management for financial initiatives, and present financial reports to our executive team, thereby supporting data-driven decision-making.

To qualify for the Financial Planning and Analysis Manager position, candidates should possess at least a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field. A Master's or CFA is preferred. Additionally, you'll need a minimum of 7 years of experience in FP&A, ideally with a strong background in logistics and private equity environments, combined with excellent project management and communication skills.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of the Financial Planning and Analysis Manager role. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that financial planning aligns with our overarching business objectives. This involves frequent communication and the sharing of insights that improve overall financial performance while fostering a cooperative environment among various departments.

The Financial Planning and Analysis Manager will lead a talented team of two FP&A analysts. Your role will involve not only managing their daily activities but also mentoring and developing them to optimize their performance. You’ll also guide them to provide effective analysis that supports our strategic financial decisions, enabling the team to thrive in a high-paced environment.

Having a logistics background for the Financial Planning and Analysis Manager position is highly advantageous. Since you'll be responsible for analyzing financial performance and identifying opportunities for cost savings and revenue enhancement, understanding the logistics industry will provide you with unique insights and the ability to make more informed and strategic financial decisions that align with our business operations.

When answering this question, highlight specific financial models you've created and how they impacted business decisions. Discuss your proficiency in Excel and any financial software you’ve used, ensuring to mention how your models helped forecast revenue, assess risk, or drive strategic initiatives.

In your response, detail your step-by-step approach to budgeting, including how you gather data, engage with departments, and prioritize initiatives. Mention your techniques for monitoring adherence to the budget and making adjustments as needed to align with the company's financial objectives.

Emphasize the importance of clarity and storytelling in your presentations. Discuss methods you employ to distill complex financial data into digestible insights. Explain how you tailor your presentations to your audience, highlighting key metrics that align with executive priorities and decision-making.

Share a specific example where your analysis led to significant cost savings. Outline the process you followed to identify the opportunity, the research you conducted, and the resultant outcome. Be clear about what metrics you used to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented changes.

Discuss the processes and checks you implement to ensure data accuracy, such as reconciliations and reviews. Describe how you train your team to follow best practices and maintain attention to detail, along with the importance of technology in streamlining accurate reporting.

Mention specific project management methodologies, such as Agile or PMI. Detail how you've applied these methods in financial projects and your experience with project planning, tracking progress, and adjusting as necessary to meet deadlines efficiently.

Here, discuss the time management techniques you utilize when facing tight deadlines. Explain how you prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and remain flexible in response to any unforeseen changes, helping to showcase your ability to work effectively under pressure.

List the financial analysis tools you're proficient in, such as Excel, Power BI, or Tableau. Highlight how you've leveraged these tools in various contexts to drive insights, support decision-making, and enhance the accuracy of financial data analysis.

Be prepared to share a specific challenge, detailing the context and the actions you took to address it. The emphasis should be on your analytical skills, problem-solving capabilities, and the lessons learned that helped you apply a more proactive approach in future situations.

Explain your approach to continuous learning and staying informed about industry trends, such as attending webinars, participating in professional associations, and subscribing to finance-related publications. This showcases your commitment to professional development and staying ahead in the field.