Financial Planning & Analysis, Analyst III

Overview

Aquent is partnering with a leading organization in the services sector, renowned for its commitment to excellence and strategic growth. This company is at the forefront of its industry, leveraging innovative approaches to drive financial health and operational efficiency. 

They are seeking a highly motivated and analytical professional to join their dynamic team. You will be a pivotal force in shaping financial strategy and operational excellence. As a key individual contributor, you will dive deep into financial data, craft compelling forecasts, and provide critical insights that directly influence strategic decisions and drive the company’s success. Your analytical prowess will empower leaders to make informed choices, optimize performance, and achieve ambitious goals, directly contributing to the organization’s sustained growth and impact. 

What You’ll Do: 

• Support comprehensive financial planning, modeling, analysis, and forecasting initiatives. 
• ​Identify and report on critical financial and budgeting trends, offering actionable insights. 
• Assist in detailed analysis of operational performance, pinpointing areas for improvement. 
• Gather and prepare insightful recommendations to guide financial activities and strategic plans. 
• Conduct thorough financial assessments (e.g., Situational, Strengths/Weaknesses/Opportunities/Threats, Opportunity-Based Strategic Planning, system value chain analysis) and generate reports summarizing key business, financial, or economic data. 
• Proactively identify cost avoidance and cost recovery opportunities to enhance financial performance. 
• Collaborate with business partners to address operational performance issues, leveraging financial analysis results. 
• Develop best-practice financial models, analyze risk alternatives, and create robust what-if scenarios and forecasts. 
• Evaluate financial trends, analyze data reports, and forecast income and expenses, reviewing assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. 
• Utilize data and inputs from various business unit systems to support in-depth analyses (e.g., utilization reports, volume reporting, day sales inventory, investment schedules). 
• Conduct research to assess the financial impact of strategic initiatives and new ventures. 
• Prepare and coordinate budgets and forecasts in alignment with strategic objectives, analyzing budgeting trends. 
• Perform complex financial analyses (e.g., operating cash flow analyses, pro forma P&L, line item walk forwards, volume building blocks, NPV, IRR, Discounted Cash Flow, statistical analyses, economic analyses) and detailed variance analysis (e.g., volume, P&L line item, cost of goods, rate). 
• Support internal and external audits by assisting with schedule preparation and review of results. 
• Analyze the operational and financial performance of various field operations.  Conduct Financial Statement Analysis of business partners (e.g., suppliers, customers, acquisition targets) using various software systems and annual reports to determine financial viability and assess risk implications. 
• Prepare regular and special financial and statistical reports to facilitate effective financial management across the organization. 
• Organize and participate in meetings with leadership to review financial results and provide strategic guidance. 
• Perform and evaluate financial, utilization, and benchmark analytics to inform strategic financial planning. 
• Gather and prepare recommendations for financial plans, acquisition activities, financial requirements, and operating forecasts, applying advanced financial concepts. 
• Pursue continuous self-development, build effective relationships, and provide expertise and mentorship to team members. 
• Ensure all procedures and policies are followed, leverage data and resources, and collaborate cross-functionally to solve business problems. 

Must-Have Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field. 
• Minimum three (3) years of Financial Planning & Analysis experience, or directly related business experience. 
• Equivalent work experience in a directly related field may be substituted for the degree requirement. 

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• One (1) year of project management experience. 
• Two (2) years of experience working with advanced functions of spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel), including graphics, pivot tables, macros, and/or complex formulas. 
• Two (2) years of experience working with intermediate SQL and/or SAS coding.  Experience in public accounting or corporate finance roles at large firms. 
• Strong background in budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial modeling. 
• Exposure to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and business intelligence (BI) tools. 
• Advanced certifications such as an MBA, CPA, or CFA. 
• Certifications like FMVA (Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst). 

Additional Variable Compensation: 7.5% Bonus 

About Aquent Talent: Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands. Our eligible talent gets access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits! Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive. 

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $71,000.00 to $104,400.00. Compensation is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.