VP, Financial Planning & Analysis

Overview:

Oversee company-wide financial planning and analysis initiatives and their interrelationships with corporate strategy, operational planning, and corporate financial planning. Develop and maintain effective relationships with senior leaders across company operations and functions. Be an essential leader for the company's business plans and finance-related activities. Provide value-added proposals and guidance regarding line of business financial planning and expense management activities on culture, corporate processes, and practices. Deliver discrete finance decision support to key stakeholders as needed. Develop and present finance recommendations to senior leaders throughout the company as well as the Executive Senior Leadership Team at Northwestern Mutual

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Design and lead comprehensive financial planning and forecasting strategy for significant portfolios company wide. This includes development of proposals and presentations to the Senior Leadership Team, the Board, and other corporate-level financial and operational committees.

• Synthesize and interpret complex financial data into compelling narratives that support business strategy and facilitate informed decision-making among stakeholders. Direct all financial planning, forecasting, and functional management activities in the Business Finance department.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to business units, providing consultative support to drive strategic financial decisions and enhance business outcomes. Drive collaboration with functional areas to optimize the company's cost structure and institute robust finance management policies and practices.

• Direct process improvements and efficiencies which can leverage the various company financial systems.

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to executive management to enhance corporate financial performance and strategic alignment. Lead cross-functional teams to develop capital and operating expense impacts of company capital projects.

• Partner with senior leadership across the organization to ensure that company spending and resource allocations are aligned with the company's short- and long-term strategic objectives such as Workforce Planning and other key stakeholders.

• Conduct proactive analysis to identify long-term implications of financial trends and operational changes, including workforce planning and resource allocation. guidance to key stakeholders across the company.

• Collaborate with finance and operational teams to enhance forecasting accuracy and transparency across business units.

• Utilize strong analytical capabilities to support expense management and provide actionable insights that inform strategic direction and optimize business performance.

• Participate effectively as a member of the Business Finance team, demonstrating transparent communication, effective conflict resolution skills of conflict and prioritization on department-wide initiatives.

• Build and manage a high-performing team including on-going coaching and development of teams, cyclical performance management, and directing daily work.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support Business Finance initiatives.

• Analyze financial data to provide actionable insights into market trends and organizational performance.

• Ability to assist in future state tools selection for FP&A, participate in monthly meetings with Enterprise leadership team, review contracts and partner with strategic sourcing/procurement.

• Drive strategic cost-out initiatives by collaborating with leaders across the organization to identify and implement opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.

Team Leadership:

• Build and mentor a high-performing team focused on transformation and business planning.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability.

• Provide leadership and guidance to project teams to ensure timely and successful completion of initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required. Finance, Actuarial Science, Accounting preferred.

• Expert financial planning and analysis skills.

• Must have extensive and in-depth knowledge of company operations and culture.

• 12+ years or more of relevant work experience in positions with increasing leadership responsibilities.

• Superior organizational agility, communication, and negotiation skills to maintain strong relationships with all levels of leadership.

• Superior analytical, critical thinking and decision-making skills. Ability to challenge effectively while building strong relationships at all levels in the company.

• Ability to lead people, build teams and improve work processes.

• A CPA or MBA preferred.

Skills:

• Advanced Excel and Expense Management Systems

• Excellent leadership and team management skills.

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Strong project management skills with a focus on delivering results.

• Proficiency in financial modeling and analysis tools.

• High level of integrity and professionalism.

• Results-oriented with a strong sense of accountability.

• Adaptable and resilient in the face of change.

• Innovative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.