Forecast, Planning & Analysis Analyst

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Forecast, Planning & Analysis Analyst supports forecasting, management reporting, and business unit financial analysis under the guidance of the Forecast, Planning and Analysis Manager and senior team members. In this role, the Forecast, Planning & Analysis Analyst assists in developing and producing financial forecasts and analysis, while helping to ensure the integrity of the data to support our businesses and their leaders in making informed decisions and driving performance, as well as assisting in cross-functional activities. They also assist in collecting, processing, and analyzing financial information utilized by stakeholders to design and implement business strategy.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops a working understanding of MAI financials and metrics and drivers of revenue and profitability by market, client, product/service, etc.
• Assists in developing accurate and credible financial forecasts that support business strategy.
• Supports preparation of budgets and forecasts, variance analyses, and periodic/ad hoc reporting under the direction of senior team members.
• Helps identify and escalate risks/opportunities to plan; supports business unit and regional leaders in tracking tactics to close plan gaps or realize opportunities.
• Assists in updating and maintaining revenue and profit-based financial/economic forecast models as needed.
• Analyzes records of past and present operations, trends and costs, estimated and realized revenues, administrative commitments, and obligations incurred to help project future revenues and expenses.
• Supports analysis of relationship manager related data, including client segmentation and profitability, profile of new and existing customers, pipeline activity and conversion.
• Monitors financial status by tracking actual results against plans and forecasts; flags trends for senior team members.
• Assembles and summarizes data for management review, assists in preparing reports, and supports data-driven analysis and recommendations; helps ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Assists with monthly/quarterly reporting analyzing financial results and performance to plan.
• Clearly communicates findings and supporting analysis to internal stakeholders.
• Participates in studies, analyses, and recommendations, including budgets, forecasts, financial plans, regulatory requirements, statistical reports, and business forecasts.
• Identifies opportunities to improve internal team processes.
• Helps monitor industry trends and supports development of benchmarking analysis.
• Participates in special projects and studies, and other ad hoc analyses as requested.

EXPERIENCE/CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• 0 – 3 years analytical experience in a Finance or related business role; entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply. Financial Services industry experience a plus.
• Exposure to financial management, enterprise resource planning, and reporting systems and tools (Hyperion, NetSuite, etc.) a plus.
• Basic understanding of budget preparation and administration; developing financial and/or accounting acumen.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; familiarity with financial modeling and statistical analysis.
• Foundational knowledge of financial policies, practices, and procedures, including GAAP.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, Outlook, Word, Adobe, PowerPoint, Access (or similar database application).
• Leadership experience a plus, (i.e. president or leader of a group, athletics, etc.).

COMPETENCIES

• Thrives in a fast-paced and dynamic team-based, collaborative environment, and works well with others to resolve conflicts, especially under pressure.
• Eager to learn and grow, seeking feedback and guidance from senior team members to build skills and improve efficiencies.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated commitment to teamwork and partnerships.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships within the firm, including with other departments and employees at various levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to help define a problem, synthesize data to derive fact-based insights, and support actionable recommendations.
• Able to meet deadlines, while still maintaining flexibility to prioritize and execute to meet firm needs.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of all financial information and safeguards firm data; maintains high ethical standards in all practices.
• Professional and positive demeanor, superb work ethic, high level of personal ethics and integrity.