FP&A Analyst

The role of a senior FP&A analyst is to support financial planning, consolidation, and performance management across North America region, including multiple manufacturing plants, R&D center, and headquarters functions in the U.S. and Mexico.

This role sits at the intersection of finance, operations, and data/analytics, playing a key role in consolidating regional financials, enhancing forecasting through automation and advanced analytics, and supporting strategic decision-making across functions including Operations, Sales, Purchasing, and R&D.

Responsibilities:

1. Regional Financial Planning & Analysis

• Support the annual budget, quarterly forecasts, and long-range strategic planning processes for North America.
• Partner with business leaders to understand key operational drivers (volume, pricing, material cost, labor, overhead) and translate them into financial projections.
• Perform variance analysis (actual vs. plan/forecast/prior year) with clear insights and actionable recommendations.
• Support ad hoc financial analysis related to cost optimization, margin improvement, and investment decisions.

2. Financial Consolidation (U.S. & Mexico Operations)

• Consolidate financial results across multiple manufacturing sites, R&D center, and HQ functions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Manage intercompany eliminations, multi-currency considerations, and alignment to corporate reporting standards.
• Standardize data structures and reporting templates across sites.
• Work closely with plant controllers and central finance teams to ensure consistency in reporting and assumptions.

3. Data Automation & Advanced Analytics

• Develop and implement automated processes for financial data collection, consolidation, and reporting (reducing manual Excel-based work).
• Utilize tools such as SQL, Python, Palantir, Power BI, or similar to build scalable reporting and dashboard solutions.
• Support the application of AI/advanced analytics to improve forecast accuracy, identify trends, and enable predictive insights (e.g., cost drivers, demand patterns).
• Collaborate with IT and data teams to improve data quality, integration (ERP systems), and governance.

4. Cross-Functional Business Partnering

• Liaise with other central controllers and act as a finance partner to:
• Operations: plant performance, cost control, efficiency initiatives
• Sales: pricing, customer profitability, volume planning
• Purchasing: material cost analysis, supplier impact
• R&D: project tracking, investment evaluation
• Provide financial visibility and insights to support decision-making across functions.
• Communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.

5. Strategic Modeling & Decision Support

• Build and maintain financial models for:
• Customer programs and product profitability
• Capital investments and capacity expansion
• Cost reduction and restructuring initiatives
• Conduct scenario and sensitivity analyses to support strategic planning and risk management.

Position Specifications:

Knowledge / Skills:

• Strong financial modeling and Excel skills (advanced level required).
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Proficiency in data and automation tools:
• SQL, Python, or similar (preferred)
• Power BI / Tableau or equivalent visualization tools
• Exposure to AI-driven forecasting or analytics is a strong plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage large datasets and translate them into insights.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management across functions and cultures.
• Self-starter with continuous improvement mindset and adaptability in a traditional but evolving environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven manufacturing setting.

Education / Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field (MBA/CPA/CMA preferred but not required).
• Senior Analyst: 3–6 years of experience
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive or industrial.
• Experience working in multi-site and cross-border (U.S./Mexico) environments preferred.