Director Of Financial Planning And Analysis

Director, Financial Planning & Analysis

About the Company:

For the past twenty plus years, our client has remained committed to the success of independent optometrists, and today has emerged as a leading alliance of private optometric practice owners in the United States. Founded by an optometrist with the first-hand knowledge of private practice ownership, our client empowers independent owners to live the practice of their dreams. Their core value of “people first, always” and focus on innovation offer a significant competitive advantage to our membership of over 3,200 optometrists – enabling them to embrace change, seize opportunity, and position their practices for long-term success. Our client serves its members through specialized services, expert guidance from industry-admired consultants, metric-based business analytics, personal account management, member-exclusive vendor discounts and rebates, continuing education opportunities and national, regional, and local peer networking events.

Our client is proud to be a Great Place to Work-Certified™ company!

Role Summary

“We empower independent owners to live the practice of their dreams.” Our clients' employees go to work every day with this “Why” as their motivation. Every role is critical in helping to make our Members’ dreams become a reality. The Director, Financial Planning & Analysis will have a broad range of responsibilities involving ensuring that company assets are protected, monthly closings are accurate, and financial resources are optimally deployed. The position will also lead the annual budget and periodic forecasts process in concert with management, supporting management in establishing and achieving business objectives and developing action plans to support the company’s growth objectives. This role also provides analytical support to the organization by providing insights on current financial performance, risks and opportunities.

The Director of Financial Planning and Analysis is responsible for assisting in the management of the following:

1. Lead the Budgeting and Forecasting processes, including the Annual Budget, Monthly Operating and Cash Flow Forecasting.

2. Analyze current and past trends in key performance indicators including all areas of revenue, expenses, capital expenditures, reserves and cash flows, highlighting trends and analyzing causes of unexpected variances.

3. Participate in cross-functional efforts within Finance and Operations to improve systems, reporting, planning, and analysis capabilities. Perform ad-hoc reporting and analysis to support strategic decisions.

Responsibilities

• Other duties in support of the internal Finance team and as required and advised by the VP of FP&A. These may, on occasion, be unrelated to the position described here.
• Oversee and manage the Accounting department functions, including budget and forecast development, payroll, tax provision calculations, balance sheet and cash flow statement development, Member invoicing, and month-close and year-end processes.
• Collaborate with outside audit/tax firms and own financial audits and provide recommendations for continuous improvements.
• Lead all budgeting, forecasting initiatives throughout the various business entities, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, providing budget to actual analysis.
• Manage and coordinate quarterly tax planning and filings.
• Provide expertise to help assess the needs of teams across the organization related to financial management and build resources, tools, and activities to further develop those skills.
• Design, establish, and maintain an organizational structure to effectively accomplish the department’s goals and objectives.
• Guide discussions with business leaders, functional leaders, and the senior leadership team to understand and optimize business performance
• Strengthen, document, and disseminate financial planning and analysis processes and standard methodologies, and contribute to the development and strengthening of organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Work with the VP, FP&A to assist in the development of a strategy and plan for the various business units which includes strategic and transformational projects to drive continual automation and work reduction tools and processes to support effective and accurate financial planning across the organization.
• Assist with annual budgeting and forecasting processes, communicating guidelines and timelines, crafting, and maintaining budget templates, providing training, consolidating, and preparing presentation materials for leadership.
• Develop, improve, and issue timely monthly financial records. Effectively communicate the financial results to each department leader.

Requirements

• Ability to be flexible and work with different functions within the company.
• Strong organization and prioritization skills.
• CPA required.
• Detail oriented, proactive multi-tasker.
• B.S. in Finance or Accounting; MBA preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (strong Excel and PowerPoint a must).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to evaluate financial and operating trends as well as the financial impact of new opportunities.
• Financial statement knowledge and understanding of US GAAP
• Experienced in leading audits, advanced account reconciliation, financial statement preparation (including multi entity consolidation) and budget reporting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• People management experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate confidently with members of senior management.
• 7+ years of demonstrated experience in a financial/accounting role.
• Ability to meet deadlines including month-end close timeline schedules.

Competencies

• Organizational skills to prioritize workflow and manage multiple tasks.
• Team-oriented and “People First, Always” mindset; consistently meets commitments made to colleagues and helping others succeed.
• High personal standards for excellence and self-improvement.
• Can analyze data and garner insights to formulate strategic decisions and put those into action.
• Excellent oral communication skills both in-person and over the phone.
• Ability to self-direct and effectively organize work, prioritize and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Values “Trusted Relationships” and builds strong client and partner relationships to deliver member-centric solutions; gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• A mature and professional demeanor that engenders trust.
• Ability to anticipate change and react efficiently and expeditiously.
• Honest, trustworthy, discreet, and highly protective of confidential information.
• Understand what it truly means to be “Better Together” by seeing the value and effectiveness of collaboration, even when things are not certain, or the way forward is not clear.
• Excellent written communication skills and grammar.
• Ability to meet deadlines consistently.
• A keen attention to detail and highly effective organization and prioritization skills including the ability to stay on task and maintain focus in a fast-paced environment.
• Reliable, consistent, and punctual attendance.
• Kind, humble, and respectful attitude with a desire to serve others that supports our value of “Service at Our Core”.
• Self-reliant, flexible, and resilient.
• Comfort with following and developing checklist-based systems to ensure consistency and accuracy.