Financial Planning & Operations Analyst

POSITION SUMMARY

The Financial Planning & Operations Analyst, under the direction of the Finance Director, is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and reporting financial data to support strategic decision-making. This role ensures timely and accurate financial analysis and reporting in accordance with Cahuilla Casino policies, internal control standards, and operational objectives. The Financial Planning & Operations Analyst plays a critical role in maintaining data accuracy and delivering reliable reports, as this position is essential to informed business decisions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Responsibilities (Priority Focus)

• Prepare, maintain, and distribute the Daily Operating Report with a high level of accuracy and timeliness. 
• Actively participate in the preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets. 
• Forecast revenues, expenses, and capital expenditures to support financial planning. 
• Develop financial models to project future financial performance and assess financial risk. 
• Review historical financial data and perform variance analysis (actual vs. budget) for senior management. 
• Prepare detailed financial reports to enhance profitability and operational efficiency for senior management. 

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Produce property financial analyses as requested by management. 
• Generate market performance reports, forecasting reports, and gaming revenue projections. 
• Perform annual capital and operating budget analysis. 
• Prepare long-range financial planning reports, including labor staffing analysis and capital expenditure requests (major and minor). 
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly performance reports. 
• Prepare labor management reports and other operational analyses. 
• Complete special projects and ad hoc financial analyses as requested. 

Data Management & Strategic Support

• Create and implement financial performance metrics in coordination with directors, managers, and other departments. 
• Compile and maintain data related to complimentary usage, including exception reporting. 
• Identify trends, provide insights, and recommend actions based on sound financial analysis. 
• Continuously enhance knowledge of Excel and other financial tools to improve reporting and analytics. 

Operational & Administrative Support

• Maintain confidentiality, accuracy, and integrity of all financial data and assigned tasks. 
• Attend regularly scheduled departmental meetings and maintain consistent attendance. 
• Cross-train in Accounting department functions to provide support as needed. 
• Deliver positive, courteous, and professional service in all interactions with guests, vendors, and team members. 
• Perform all other duties and special projects assigned by the Finance Director.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Finance or a related field (required). 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (required). 
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). 
• Working knowledge of NetSuite or similar ERP systems (preferred). 
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Demonstrated initiative, self-motivation, and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment. 
• Ability to handle responsibilities and coordinate activities efficiently and effectively. 
• Experience in financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. 
• Previous casino or gaming industry experience (preferred). 
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Must demonstrate strong fundamental communication skills, including:

• Oral Communication: Ability to clearly present information and ideas to individuals or groups. 
• Written Communication: Proficient in composing emails, reports, and formal correspondence. 
• Non-Verbal and Visual Communication: Effective use of body language, facial expressions, and visual aids to support communication. 
• Active Listening: Ability to understand and consider others’ perspectives while confidently expressing ideas and concerns. 
• Contextual Communication: Ability to adapt communication style based on the situation to ensure clarity and minimize misunderstandings.

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

CERTIFICATE & LICENSES:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Cahuilla Gaming License and comply with random drug and/or alcohol testing requirements. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid California State Driver’s License. 
• Completion of required Casino Essentials training programs. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain any additional certifications or licenses required for the role to ensure safe and effective job performance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, push carts, pull boxes, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or bend, and speak and hear.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral Vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

• While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions and required to move throughout the Casino floor and exposed to a non-smoke free environment.

• Cahuilla Casino Hotel is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. Any job offer is conditional upon successful passing of a pre-employment drug test and must qualify for a Cahuilla Gaming License, which includes an extensive background security check.

• If none of the applicants should meet the stated qualifications, applicants whose education and experience are less than the stated requirements, may be interviewed and hired provided the applicant hired submits a formal written training plan within (30) thirty days which can be completed within a “reasonable time” agreed upon by the supervisor and the applicant. Applicants who are hired and fail to meet the agreed upon formal training program, will be discharged upon failure to complete the specified training as scheduled. A drug test will be required prior to employment and periodically thereafter.