Director, Financial Planning & Analysis - job 3 of 3

As the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis at Freshworks, your primary responsibilities include managing the annual financial planning process for the Marketing department, providing comprehensive analytical support, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and leading process improvements. You'll also oversee project leadership, prepare presentations for senior management, and support the development of your finance team.

To qualify for the Director, Financial Planning & Analysis role at Freshworks, candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or Economics, with a Master’s degree preferred. Relevant experience of 8-10 years in financial planning and analysis, particularly in the Technology (SaaS) sector, is essential. Excellent communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate a fast-paced environment will serve you well in this position.

The Director, Financial Planning & Analysis at Freshworks contributes to decision-making by providing essential analytical support and transparency across various demand generation channels. They help in operationalizing metrics and measurement tools that enhance the optimization of the marketing funnel, ultimately allowing for data-driven decision-making at all levels.

At Freshworks, the work culture is inclusive, vibrant, and focused on innovation. The Director, Financial Planning & Analysis will have the opportunity to lead a team, collaborate across departments, and contribute to a culture of strategic thinking and mentorship. Freshworks is committed to diversity and believes that varied perspectives build better solutions.

Freshworks offers a comprehensive benefits package for the Director, Financial Planning & Analysis position, including competitive salaries, medical, dental, and vision insurance, equity opportunities, flexible PTO, wellness benefits, and adoption leave. Additionally, the company promotes a work-life balance through flexible working arrangements and a supportive workplace environment.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of your previous work in FP&A, highlighting significant projects you've managed, and any enhancements in processes you implemented. Mention the tools you used and how your contributions impacted the organization's financial health.

Focus on discussing your approach to building relationships across departments. Provide examples of how you've successfully teamed up with marketing, sales, or other divisions to gather insights that informed financial decisions, ensuring that the outcome benefited the entire organization.

Discuss key performance metrics such as customer acquisition cost, lifetime value, conversion rates, and return on investment. Explain how you have used these metrics in previous roles to analyze marketing effectiveness and optimize spending.

Elaborate on techniques you implement for thorough budgeting and forecasting. This could include utilizing historical data, collaborating closely with department heads, and applying scenario analyses to anticipate potential challenges that might affect financial outcomes.

Provide a detailed scenario where you identified inefficiencies in a financial process, your approach to redesigning it, and the measurable outcomes that resulted from your efforts. This demonstrates your proactive mindset and problem-solving abilities.

Highlight your capability to simplify complex financial data into understandable language. Discuss specific tools or formats you utilize, such as dashboards or visual presentations, and how these strategies have effectively communicated financial insights to your audience.

Share your routine for continuous professional development, which may include attending industry conferences, enrolling in relevant courses, and networking with other professionals. Reflect on how this knowledge informs your financial planning approaches.

Convey your understanding that data analysis is fundamental to effective financial planning. Discuss how you use analytical tools to derive meaningful insights, trends, and forecasts that shape strategic decisions and guide the organization’s overall direction.

Demonstrate your organizational skills by detailing your approach to prioritizing tasks under tight deadlines. Include tips on time management techniques or tools that help you maintain productivity while managing complex responsibilities.

Be prepared to recount a specific situation where you faced a difficult financial decision, your decision-making process, and the end result. Highlight the impact this had on your previous organization, showcasing your ability to make tough decisions while considering the broader business implications.