Lead Financial Planning Analyst

Aston Carter•Novi, MI

12d•$100,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

Job Description Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Analyst The FP&A Analyst supports commercial decision-making and strategic planning across the organization. This role combines responsibilities in commercial finance—such as sales and margin analysis, product profitability, and reporting—with financial planning duties, including forecasting, investment evaluation, project financial modeling, and risk and opportunity tracking. As a key financial partner to Sales and Executive Leadership, the FP&A Analyst delivers clear, data-driven insights that guide strategic decisions and drive financial performance. Key Responsibilities: Commercial Finance & Controlling Provide financial insights and decision support on revenue, margin, pricing, and product mix. Analyze and report monthly bookings, billings, and profitability by region, customer, and product group, highlighting key trends and opportunities. Prepare detailed P&L reports for sales centers. Support sales teams with accurate bookings and billings forecasting. Monitor performance against targets and KPIs, collaborating with commercial leaders to understand variances and implement corrective actions. Financial Planning & Forecasting Lead annual budget, mid-term planning, and quarterly forecasting processes for sales, gross margin, and cost centers, ensuring alignment with group guidelines. Conduct variance analysis to explain differences between actual and budgeted results, providing actionable insights. Develop and enhance financial forecasting models, ensuring accuracy and transparency. Analyze and revalue stock, collaborating with sales to manage aged inventory. Monitor and analyze personal and operational expenses against forecasts, coordinating reclassifications with accounting as needed. Track and report financial risks and opportunities, offering early warnings and proposing mitigation strategies. Support the development of strategic planning materials, including long-range plans and growth opportunity assessments. Collaborate across departments to understand financial needs and develop supportive business plans. Calculate commissions for third-party representatives. Investment & Project Analysis Develop financial models for capital investment proposals, business cases, and strategic initiatives. Analyze ROI, NPV, payback period, and scenario outcomes for capital projects, expansion plans, and new product introductions. Partner with cross-functional teams to build project budgets, monitor spend, and report on financial progress. Coordinate with group controlling and update relevant financial systems, ensuring alignment with accounting.

Requirements

Forecasting
Financial analysis
presentation and communication skills
Financial
Financial planning and analysis
Reporting
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
5+ years of experience in FP&A, business controlling, or commercial finance roles
Advanced Excel modeling skills and proficiency in financial planning systems (e.g., SAP, Power BI, or similar).
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; able to synthesize complex data into clear recommendations.
Knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting standards.
Understanding of financial ratios and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to influence non-financial stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

advanced certifications (MBA, CPA, CMA) preferred.
experience in manufacturing or B2B environments preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide financial insights and decision support on revenue, margin, pricing, and product mix.
Analyze and report monthly bookings, billings, and profitability by region, customer, and product group, highlighting key trends and opportunities.
Prepare detailed P&L reports for sales centers.
Support sales teams with accurate bookings and billings forecasting.
Monitor performance against targets and KPIs, collaborating with commercial leaders to understand variances and implement corrective actions.
Lead annual budget, mid-term planning, and quarterly forecasting processes for sales, gross margin, and cost centers, ensuring alignment with group guidelines.
Conduct variance analysis to explain differences between actual and budgeted results, providing actionable insights.
Develop and enhance financial forecasting models, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
Analyze and revalue stock, collaborating with sales to manage aged inventory.
Monitor and analyze personal and operational expenses against forecasts, coordinating reclassifications with accounting as needed.
Track and report financial risks and opportunities, offering early warnings and proposing mitigation strategies.
Support the development of strategic planning materials, including long-range plans and growth opportunity assessments.
Collaborate across departments to understand financial needs and develop supportive business plans.
Calculate commissions for third-party representatives.
Develop financial models for capital investment proposals, business cases, and strategic initiatives.
Analyze ROI, NPV, payback period, and scenario outcomes for capital projects, expansion plans, and new product introductions.
Partner with cross-functional teams to build project budgets, monitor spend, and report on financial progress.
Coordinate with group controlling and update relevant financial systems, ensuring alignment with accounting.