Financial Planning Analyst

Job description / Role

Financial Planning Analyst will perform a wide range of duties that include, but are not limited to, the preparation of the Annual Budget and the 5-year Business plan, producing budgetary variance analysis, forecasting annual results, Analyzing the business performances and preparing business cases to support new investments, new product launches and any other strategic or business decisions.

The role will actively assist the Finance Director (FD) to deliver the above objectives.

Key Accountabilities (includes, but not limited to the following):

Annual Budget and Business Plan
• Work closely with the Finance Director (FD) and the Manager Financial Operations (FOM) to formulate the business medium to long-term financial and strategic plan.
• Enhance and automate the Budget Templates to facilitate the budget review process and the decision making process.
• Gather market and business intelligence (competition, market trends, etc.) to generate accurate projections.
• Prepare and present the 5-year Business Plan (BP) for review by the FD/FOM with emphasis on accuracy & timely delivery.
• Prepare necessary analytical reports, back-up information, bridges and other necessary information related to the BP.
• Work on the Management presentation deck for review meetings.
• Attend Management review meetings and ensure all discussions are noted & actioned in the next release.
• Keep control of the BP versions and co-ordinate with Group Finance to update the BP as and when required.

Budgetary Analysis & Forecasting
• Conduct a periodic review with proper reasoning of the financial and operational results of the Group to assess its performance.
• Ensure forecasts are accurate and updated on a regular basis in order to facilitate management’s decision-making process.
• Conduct regular analysis of Business KPIs for monthly reporting purposes.
• Provide any other analytical reports relating to Budgets & Operations as and when required.

Financial Modelling – New Initiatives
• Attend meetings with relevant business teams for information gathering.
• Perform necessary market studies & due diligences to support the financial projections.
• Prepare the financial modelling template to capture key drivers and all relevant data for the project.
• Prepare a full sensitivity analysis of the financial projections and present relevant ROI metrics for management review.
• Prepare necessary analytical reports, back-up information and other necessary information related to the project plan.
• Work on the Management presentation deck for review meetings.
• Attend review meetings with Management and ensure all discussions are noted & actioned in the next release.
• Team up with the concerned business teams for RFP submission, as required.

Key Performance Indicators:
• Completeness, accuracy & consistency in Budgeting & Forecasting results.
• Improvement of Budget & Financial modelling templates.
• Meet Budgetary and Project plan reporting timelines.
• Improve Market intelligence to support management decision making.

Key Competencies:
• Business partner approach and high level of commercial acumen
• Proactive and forward thinking – able to challenge and question the status quo
• Strong team-work & co-ordination Skills
• Strong analytical skillset (including the utilization of BI and reporting tools) & problem-solving abilities
• Excellent attention to detail and project management skills
• Highly professional and excellent communicator at all level of the organization, both verbal & written
• Strong presentation skills
• Results driven & ability to meet deadlines
• High degree of autonomy and integrity

Requirements

Knowledge /Education/ Qualifications:
• Degree in accounting and/or finance
• CA, CPA or equivalent qualification would be an advantage
• 2+ years’ experience in handling FP&A or Commercial Finance for a medium to large size organization, preferably in the Media or Entertainment Sector.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel (including writing macros), Word and PowerPoint or other relevant Presentation tools.
• Functional knowledge of BI tools would be an advantage
• Knowledge of IFRS and reporting standards would be an advantage

About the Company

Arab Media Group (AMG), a member of Dubai Holding, is one of the region’s leading providers of media and family-oriented entertainment, delivering engaging content and creating exceptional experiences. Established in 2005, AMG has been serving a diverse regional audience through its multiple media and entertainment platforms that span across radio broadcasting, event management, and family entertainment. It currently comprises of Arabian Radio Network (ARN), Done Events and Global Village.