Business Planning Analyst

Job Summary

The Financial Analyst – Business Planning will provide direct support to the Senior Director, Business Planning Financial Operations in the development of operating and financial plans as well as operating expense budgets. He/she will track, report and analyze the operational expenses and key metrics performance throughout the year.

KEY MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

Financial metric(s):

• Strict adherence to the established budget through management of operating and capital expenses.
• Preparation of accurate budgets and operating plans, as well as timely and adequate information to guide performance assessment and management decision-making throughout the year.
• Preparation and tracking of activity that provides accurate information regarding operating expense.

Operating metric(s):

• Adherence to all deadlines for budgets, forecasts, key operating metrics and all other reports.
• Establishment of effective working relationships with the Business Planning group(s) in Telecommunication Services, Sales, Marketing, Client Services, Sales Engineering, Corporate Departments {Administration, Finance & Legal}.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of annual operating budgets and quarterly forecasts.
• Support the financial systems responsibilities of the budget process and monthly expense reporting.
• Analyze and budget for selective Lightpath operating departments, working with the Senior Director.
• Develop and manage the quarterly and annual presentations for the Board of Directors, to ensure data is accurate and presented effectively.
• Track and analyze key operating metrics and financial performance to facilitate management team decision-making.
• Ensure timely and accurate updates of monthly/quarterly expense reports.
• Track and monitor performance activity of key drivers against the expense budget to aid decision-making.
• Develop and manage models to assist in key business decisions.
• Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures regarding processing of requisitions and payments

Qualifications

• Three – five years finance experience with strong analysis skills
• Ability to work closely with other functions
• Ability to develop ad-hoc analysis as needed
• College degree in accounting or finance

Management Skills

• High energy self-motivator with a strong work ethic and ability to multi-task
• Strong sense of teamwork and mentoring highly desired, with a drive for learning and growth
• Ability to foster teamwork within Business Planning function
• Ability to adapt to changes in scope of position

Technical/Functional Competencies

• Proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access & MS Project.
• Knowledge of Hyperion/Essbase and Oracle preferred.
• Ability to manage operating expenses against established budgets and forecasts