Senior Financial Analyst

Job Title: Specialist Financial Analyst – Central Global Opex management Team (IC3)

Role Summary

The Specialist Financial Analyst (IC3) is a high-impact individual contributor responsible for end-to-end ownership of Operating Expense forecasting and management for assigned Lines of Business (LOBs) and regions.

This role drives forecasting accuracy, leveraging automation and strategic insights through advanced use of Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) systems, analytics and AI-driven tools. The individual acts as a trusted finance partner to business stakeholders and plays a key role in improving forecasting accuracy and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

1. Forecasting & Financial Ownership

Own OPEX forecasting process for assigned LOBs/regions.

Develop accurate run-rate models and driver-based forecasts.

Lead annual budget cycles.

Analyze variances vs Forecast and Prior Year

Provide actionable insights to business leaders.

2. Business Partnering

Partner with business leaders to understand cost drivers and strategic initiatives.

Challenge assumptions constructively and provide financial guidance

Translate financial data into business language for decision-making.

3. Automation & Process Excellence

Leverage automation tools to streamline forecasting processes.

Drive standardization across LOBs/regions.

Identify efficiency opportunities and eliminate manual work.

Support continuous improvement initiatives across the OPEX function.

4. Analytics & AI Enablement

Utilize advanced analytics to detect trends, anomalies, and risk areas.

Leverage AI-powered forecasting tools to improve accuracy.

Support predictive modeling and scenario planning.

Required Technical Skills

1. Financial & Analytical Skills

Strong understanding of FP&A principles and OPEX management

Advanced variance analysis and driver-based forecasting

Scenario modeling and sensitivity analysis

Strong Excel skills (advanced formulas, pivot tables, modeling)

1. Systems Expertise

Hands-on experience with Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) tools

Oracle EPM / Hyperion / Planning

Experience with Business Intelligence & Analytics tools - Power BI / Tableau / similar

Familiarity with AI-driven forecasting or predictive analytics tools

Behavioral & Personality Traits

We are looking for someone who demonstrates:

1. Ownership Mindset
2. Analytical Curiosity
3. Structured & Detail-Oriented
4. Influencing & Communication Skills
5. Continuous Improvement Orientation
6. Collaborative & Supportive

Takes full accountability for numbers

Proactively identifies risks and proposes solutions

Naturally questions trends and anomalies

Goes beyond reporting to uncover insights

High accuracy in financial analysis

Strong discipline in data validation

Confident in engaging with senior stakeholders

Ability to simplify complex financial topics

Passionate about automation and efficiency

Embraces technology and AI adoption

Works effectively in cross-functional teams

Shares knowledge and best practices

Experience & Qualifications

1. 6–9 years of experience in FP&A or OPEX management
2. Experience in a multinational / matrixed organization preferred
3. Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
4. MBA / CA / CPA (preferred but not mandatory)

What Success Looks Like in This Role

1. High forecast accuracy and reduced variance volatility
2. Increased automation and reduced manual effort
3. Strong stakeholder confidence and trust
4. Improved transparency through dashboards and analytics
5. Active contribution to AI-enabled forecasting maturity