Senior Analyst, Commercial Finance

The Senior Analyst, Commercial Finance at Lactalis Heritage Dairy is responsible for monitoring the full P&L, including critical aspects like pricing, promotions, marketing expenses, and more. You will challenge and analyze technical performance, provide insights to Sales teams, oversee financial forecasting, and prepare reports for senior management. Your role is integral to guiding decisions that impact profitability, ensuring you are a key player in the commercial finance landscape of the company.

To qualify for the Senior Analyst, Commercial Finance position at Lactalis Heritage Dairy, candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Economics, or Accounting. Additionally, a minimum of 3 years of experience in financial reporting, preferably within a consumer foods products environment, is required. Proficiency in MS Excel and familiarity with systems like SAP and Power BI will be significant assets, alongside strong analytical and interpersonal skills.

In the role of Senior Analyst, Commercial Finance at Lactalis Heritage Dairy, you will actively support the Sales team in the budgeting process. This involves challenging and monitoring commercial indicators and leading discussions in budget meetings to ensure alignment with financial goals. Your analytical expertise will help shape the budget for the full P&L, ultimately guiding the company's financial strategy.

Success as a Senior Analyst, Commercial Finance at Lactalis Heritage Dairy requires strong analytical skills and the ability to manage large data sets effectively using tools like MS Excel. In addition to technical capabilities, you must possess excellent interpersonal skills to influence decisions and collaborate across various functions. Systems knowledge, especially in financial software like SAP or business intelligence tools like Tableau, can vastly enhance your impact in this role.

At Lactalis Heritage Dairy, the work environment fosters entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on responsibility. As a Senior Analyst, Commercial Finance, you’ll be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and personal growth. The company promotes an inclusive culture where your contributions are recognized, allowing you to thrive professionally while enjoying the close-knit atmosphere of a family-owned business.

When it comes to monitoring P&L indicators, developing a structured approach is key. I begin by establishing a comprehensive understanding of the relevant metrics, such as volumes, pricing strategies, and marketing expenses. Next, I focus on identifying trends by analyzing historical data, which helps in making accurate forecasts. Finally, I ensure that I regularly communicate these insights to the Sales team, facilitating informed decision-making that aligns with our financial goals.

Evaluating pricing strategies involves a combination of data analysis and market research. I would conduct simulations to assess the potential impact of different pricing models on profitability and market share. Additionally, I would collaborate with the Sales team to gather feedback on competitive pricing and customer response, ensuring our strategies are both strategic and responsive to market demands.

I have experience using various reporting tools including SAP and Power BI, which I find invaluable for financial reporting and analysis. These tools allow for real-time data visualization and help me create comprehensive reports that are accessible and informative. By utilizing these systems, I can quickly identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement in our financial performance.

Prioritizing tasks begins with assessing urgency and impact. I typically use a matrix to evaluate which analyses are essential for immediate decision-making and which can be scheduled for later. By staying organized and communicating clearly with stakeholders, I can ensure that I address high-priority tasks while also making progress on longer-term analyses.

In a previous role, I faced a challenging project where I analyzed the profitability of a new product line. Through careful data collection and market research, I identified key factors that could impact its success. My recommendations shaped our pricing strategy and promotional efforts, leading to a successful launch that exceeded initial sales projections by 20%. This experience taught me the importance of tackling challenges with thorough analysis and proactive communication.

Accuracy in financial reporting is crucial. I ensure this by implementing a systematic review process where multiple checks are performed at different stages of data collection and analysis. Additionally, I maintain open communication lines with the Sales and Finance teams to verify figures and clarify any discrepancies before the final report is published. Leveraging technology also helps minimize human errors, allowing for a more streamlined and accurate reporting process.

To forecast financial trends, I utilize both quantitative and qualitative methods. I analyze historical data to identify patterns and use statistical techniques to predict future performance. Coupling this with qualitative insights from market research enables me to refine my forecasts, making them more realistic and aligned with anticipated market conditions. Open discussions with the Sales team enhance my understanding, ensuring all forecasts consider potential risks and opportunities.

Acting as a business partner to the Sales team involves more than just providing financial data; it also means understanding their goals and challenges. I would work closely with them to provide insights on pricing and profitability and help them develop strategies that align with our financial objectives. This partnership is built on open dialogue, supporting their initiatives with data-driven recommendations and collaborative problem-solving.

Communication plays a pivotal role in the position of Senior Analyst, Commercial Finance. It’s essential for conveying complex financial insights in a clear and actionable manner to stakeholders across the organization. Building strong relationships with both the Sales team and upper management ensures that my financial analysis translates into meaningful strategies that drive business success. Regular presentations and updates also help keep everyone aligned toward shared goals.

I believe the most important skill for a Senior Analyst, Commercial Finance is the ability to analyze data critically while maintaining strong interpersonal relationships. A successful analyst must not only interpret financial data accurately but also convey those insights effectively to influence decision-making. Combining analytical prowess with the ability to collaborate and drive consensus is crucial in this role.