Design Financial Analyst

This role in summary

Whirlpool is currently seeking qualified candidates for a Design Financial Analyst opening, to join our Design organization. This is an onsite role at our Global Design Studio in Benton Harbor, MI.

As the Design Financial Analyst, you will serve as the financial and operational backbone of our Design organization, empowering the team to create the next generation of home appliances. In this critical role, you will be the strategic bridge between creative execution and financial accountability. You will partner with cross-functional teams to drive rigorous budget management, streamline planning processes, and ensure that our aesthetic and product experience goals are delivered efficiently, on time, and on budget. 
  

Design supports Whirlpool’s vision to "Be the best kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home, and in the world."

We inspire lasting engagement, product leadership, and meaningful experiences at home and for our world. We do this on a foundation of empathy, innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship, with people at the center of our process.

In our 5 global studios we have more than 100 designers in dedicated teams of Graphic Design, Color Material and Finish, Craftsmanship, Industrial Design, Trends Forecasting, User Interaction, Motion Graphics, Usability, Design Research and Studio Engineering.

Company is not providing Visa Sponsorship for this role.

Your responsibilities will include

• Financial Planning & Budget Management: Manage the end-to-end financial operations for the Design organization, including PO creation, Goods Receipts (GR), budget transfers, and IO creation.

• Month-End Close & Reconciliation: Drive monthly budget reconciliation meetings, update actuals for Product Development (PD) and Infrastructure budget  tracking, correct errant expenses, and review forecasts to ensure accuracy remains within a 10% variance target.

• Systems & Data Management: Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Planning & Portfolio Management (PPM) systems (Planisware). Create, load, and manage annual project footprint and IO setups within the system.

• Tool Improvement & Analytics: Develop, improve, and maintain financial/operational tracking tools and data views utilizing software such as Google Sheets and Tableau to simplify processes and increase efficiency.

• Stakeholder Alignment & Reporting: Facilitate bi-weekly/monthly project status reviews. Provide continuous project status updates and financial insights to sponsors and key stakeholders.

• Proactive Problem Solving: A "bias for action" and a continuous improvement mindset. You must be able to identify process bottlenecks and implement solutions without waiting for direction.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The ability to seamlessly bridge the gap between creative teams (Design) and corporate partners (Finance, GSS, Procurement, Engineering).

• "Straight Talk" Communication: Confidence in articulating financial realities, escalating risks early, and presenting complex data into clear, actionable narratives for leadership.

• Agility: Proven capability to adapt and effectively re-prioritize initiatives within a highly dynamic, matrixed, and rapidly evolving operational landscape.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance or Engineering
• 2 years of experience as a financial planner, data analyst, operations analyst or project manager
• 2 years of experience utilizing data visualization and spreadsheet tools (e.g., Tableau, advanced Google Sheets/Excel) to build reporting dashboards

Preferred skills and experiences

• Master's Degree in Finance, MBA, or specialized postgraduate degree in a management field
• Demonstrated proficiency in financial tracking, purchase order management, and budget reconciliation
• Experience working within a multinational corporate environment, specifically in a product development or design operations
• Proficiency in enterprise planning software (e.g., SAP, Planisware/PPM)
• Extensive experience in leading and driving complex projects, encompassing cost delivery, financial planning, and rigorous variance analysis
• Exceptional communication and presentation proficiencies, paramount for effective engagement across all organizational tiers and successfully influencing organizational transformation

What we offer

Generous benefits package, Whirlpool employee discount, fitness & educational reimbursement programs, kitchenettes, and more! Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: Beautiful, recently renovated office space, free coffee, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required).

Additional information

Whirlpool’s Ways of Working
Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day.  We offer flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what’s important at work and at home, including:

• Always On Flexibility - You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed. 
• Two-Week Work from Anywhere - Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.
• Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.