L.E.K - Finance Manager - Central Functions - CA/CPA

Job Title: Central Functions Finance Manager

Location: Gurgaon, India

Reports to: FP&A Director

Department: FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis)

Role and Responsibilities

- Enhance Business Partnering:

Act as a proactive partner to Central Function leads, delivering actionable insights through financial data that drive strategic decision-making and ensure alignment to targets. Build strong relationships to become a trusted advisor and guide in interpreting and navigating group financial requirements and processes. Central Functions consists of IT, Finance, HR, Legal and Corporate.

- Financial Planning & Forecasting:

Continuously assess and refine planning and forecasting processes, identifying areas for optimization to enhance financial accuracy and strategic alignment. Facilitate the creation of robust three-year financial plans aligned with the company's strategic goals. Collaborate with functional leads to ensure financial planning supports long-term transformation initiatives, medium-term corporate targets, and investment opportunities. Provide leadership with scenario analysis, stress testing, and contingency planning to manage financial risks.

- Finance Function Collaboration:

Collaborate with local accounting teams to optimize processes, ensuring accurate and timely transaction postings for Central Function P&Ls. Lead process improvements to embed a "right first time" culture, minimizing errors, enhancing efficiency, and reducing rework. Implement best practices and standardization to enhance the overall efficiency of transaction processing while ensuring compliance with company policies and financial regulations.

- Central Functions Financial Reporting:

Take ownership of financial reporting processes for Central Functions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in reporting to senior leadership. Provide detailed variance analysis to track performance against budgets and forecasts, explaining key drivers behind variances. Regularly present financial reports and insights to senior stakeholders, offering actionable recommendations for improving financial performance and supporting growth initiatives.

- Mentorship and Team Development:

Provide leadership and mentorship to the existing finance analyst. Actively support their development by offering guidance on complex financial matters, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and encouraging the use of analytical tools and methods. Build a high-performing finance team by promoting knowledge sharing and ensuring the team stays updated with the latest financial trends and technologies.

Qualifications and Experience:

- Educational Background:

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field. An advanced degree (MBA) or professional certification (CPA, CFA) is highly preferred.

Experience:

- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in financial planning, analysis, and reporting, preferably in a multinational environment or a corporate headquarters setting.

- Demonstrated success in collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive financial performance and lead impactful process improvements.

- Experience in developing long-term financial plans and supporting transformation or investment initiatives.

- Strong background in working with accounting functions, including process optimization and transaction accuracy.

- Demonstrated experience in financial reporting, variance analysis, and providing insights to senior leadership teams.

Technical Skills:

- Expertise in financial modeling and forecasting tools, with advanced proficiency in Excel.

- Experience with financial reporting software (e.g., SAP, Hyperion, Oracle) and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).

- Strong understanding of financial regulations, compliance, and best practices related to financial operations and reporting.

Communication Skills:

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely to senior leadership and the board.

Key Competencies:

- Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving:

Strong ability to analyze complex financial data and generate actionable insights. A proven problem-solver who can identify inefficiencies, propose solutions, and ensure implementation.

- Strategic Financial Planning:

Adept at long-term financial planning, with the ability to anticipate future financial needs, risks, and opportunities. Ability to align financial strategies with the organization's broader goals and objectives.

- Collaboration and Business Partnering:

Skilled in fostering collaboration across departments, driving alignment, and delivering on shared objectives. Proven ability to build strong business relationships and act as a trusted financial advisor.

- Leadership and Mentorship:

Strong leadership qualities with experience in mentoring and developing junior finance team members. Ability to guide others in problem-solving, provide constructive feedback, and foster a learning-oriented environment.

- Accuracy and Attention to Detail:

A meticulous approach to financial data, ensuring accuracy in financial reporting, forecasts, and transaction processing. Ability to ensure that all processes are compliant with regulatory standards.

- Presentation and Reporting Skills:

Comfortable presenting financial reports and insights to senior stakeholders. Ability to simplify complex data into key takeaways and strategic recommendations, tailoring the message to different audiences.

- Adaptability and Continuous Improvement:

Agility in adapting to dynamic business environments while consistently pursuing opportunities to enhance financial processes, reporting, and systems. Open to new ideas and technologies that enhance financial operations.