Position Title -Senior Consultant – Financial Planning & Budgeting
Department - Finance
Employment Type - Full-Time
Experience: 7+ Years
Job Purpose
The Senior Consultant – Financial Planning & Budgeting will support effective financial planning and budget management by developing budgets, forecasts, and financial analyses that enable informed decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and align with organizational strategic and financial objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Budget Development & Coordination
- Lead preparation, consolidation, and review of annual and multi-year budgets in coordination with business units.
- Ensure alignment of budgets with strategic plans, approved assumptions, and financial targets.
Financial Forecasting & Planning
- Develop periodic forecasts and rolling financial plans.
- Analyze variances between budgets, forecasts, and actual performance.
- Recommend corrective actions based on financial insights.
Financial Modeling & Scenario Analysis
- Build and maintain financial models for forecasting, budgeting, and scenario planning.
- Evaluate financial impacts of strategic initiatives, investments, and cost optimization opportunities.
Variance Analysis & Performance Review
- Conduct detailed financial variance analysis.
- Identify drivers behind cost overruns, savings, revenue fluctuations, and operational inefficiencies.
- Present findings and recommendations to management.
Cost Control & Budget Monitoring
- Monitor budget utilization and expenditure trends.
- Identify overspending or underutilization risks.
- Support implementation of cost-control measures.
Stakeholder Management
- Partner with department heads and finance stakeholders on budgeting and financial planning activities.
- Provide advisory support on financial performance and resource allocation.
Reporting & Management Presentations
- Prepare accurate and timely financial reports, dashboards, and executive presentations.
- Present budget status, forecasts, and financial performance updates to leadership.
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure consistency in budgeting assumptions and methodologies.
- Support compliance with internal controls, governance frameworks, and audit requirements.
Systems & Data Management
- Maintain budget and forecast data within ERP and financial systems.
- Support system enhancements and data accuracy initiatives.
Business Case & Investment Analysis
- Support preparation and evaluation of business cases and capital expenditure proposals.
- Conduct ROI, NPV, and payback analysis.
Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve budgeting and forecasting processes through automation and standardization.
Mentorship
- Provide guidance and technical support to junior finance team members.
- Promote knowledge sharing and capability development within the finance function.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Professional certifications such as CMA, CPA, ACCA, or CFA will be an added advantage.
Experience
- 7+ years of experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, or management reporting.
Required Skills & Competencies
Technical Competencies
- Financial Planning & Budgeting
- Financial Modeling & Forecasting
- Accounting & Financial Reporting
- Variance Analysis & Performance Reporting
- ERP & Financial Systems Knowledge
- Financial Governance & Internal Controls
- Advanced Excel & Reporting Tools
Behavioral Competencies
- Strong analytical thinking
- Effective communication skills
- Collaboration and stakeholder management
- Problem-solving mindset
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure
- Leadership and mentoring capabilities
