Senior Financial Planning Analyst

Job Overview

Job Responsibilities

• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): Support the budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning processes for the Middle East & Africa region. Provide financial insights and analysis to ensure alignment with regional and global objectives.
• Business Partnering: Act as a trusted financial advisor to the regional business unit leaders. Provide decision support by analyzing financial performance, identifying trends, and offering recommendations for driving profitability and growth.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for the Middle East & Africa region. Closely collaborate with the accounting and controlling functions to ensure accuracy, completeness, compliance with the financial policies and regulatory requirements, and enhance financial planning capabilities.
• Financial Modeling: Prepare new business models for new product launches or business development opportunities, working closely with the Global Business Unit to ensure alignment with long-term Regional objectives and strategy.
• Profitability Analysis: Conduct in-depth profitability analysis of products, services, and customer segments. Provide recommendations to improve margins and optimize resource allocation. Challenge the optimization of the asset base including sales associated with lease capex.
• Commercial Finance Support: Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to evaluate pricing strategies, tender opportunities, and new product launches. Assess financial viability and ensure alignment with business goals.
• Cost Management: Analyze operating expenses, including SG&A, and recommend cost-saving initiatives. Evaluate the ROI of incremental and existing SG&A costs, identify areas for improvement and ensure resources are efficiently allocated.
• Risk Management: Monitor financial risks related to accounts receivable, inventory management, and other asset-related activities. Propose strategies to mitigate risks and improve cash flow.
• Compliance & Controls: Ensure full compliance with internal controls, financial policies, and audit requirements. Support internal and external audits as needed.
• Ad-hoc Analysis: Provide financial insights and support for special projects, business development opportunities, strategic initiatives and other activities as assigned by the manager.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken); Arabic is an advantage.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in financial roles, with a focus on business partnering, FP&A, or commercial finance.
• Experience in the life sciences is preferred.
• A professional accounting qualification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CIMA) is a plus.
• Strong proficiency in financial modeling, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong financial acumen and business partnering skills.
• Analytical thinker with the ability to interpret complex financial data and present actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on long-term objectives.
• High level of integrity and adherence to compliance and ethical standards.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficient in ERP systems and financial reporting tools (e.g., JD Edwards, Power BI).