Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist

Job Description

This role serves as a strategic finance partner to the Outcomes Research & Development (R&D) organization, enabling innovation and value creation within a technology-driven Utilities & Energy environment. The position provides end-to-end financial planning, analysis, and operational support across actuals, budgets, forecasts, and long-range plans. By delivering clear insights, scalable planning tools, and scenario-based analysis, this role helps R&D leaders make informed, customer-centric investment decisions. The role collaborates closely with the Project Management Office (PMO), engineering, and senior R&D and corporate leaders to support effective resource allocation, portfolio health, and continuous improvement.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Act as an accountable finance partner to the global R&D organization, supporting innovation initiatives that deliver long-term customer and business value in the Utilities & Energy sector.

• Prepare, analyze, and present monthly and quarterly financial reporting for global R&D spend, highlighting key drivers, variances, risks, and opportunities, and recommending agile corrective actions when needed.

• Lead and support the development of annual budgets, rolling forecasts, and long-range plans for R&D, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, innovation roadmaps, and customer outcomes.

• Drive continuous improvement of R&D budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes, increasing transparency, efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Analyze R&D investment profiles at the project and portfolio level, evaluating spend efficiency, portfolio health, and the financial impact of new product development and innovation pipelines.

• Develop, maintain, and refine financial models that support scenario planning, investment governance, and executive-level decision-making.

• Partner closely with global R&D leaders, engineering teams, and the PMO to incorporate project updates, resource changes, and timeline shifts into financial plans and forecasts.

• Collaborate with R&D operating expense owners to ensure accurate forecasting, insightful variance analysis, and disciplined financial management tied to key strategic initiatives.

• Manage ad hoc reporting and analysis requests, validate data inputs, resolve discrepancies, and uphold high standards of financial accuracy and integrity.

• Support and lead strategic and operational initiatives related to R&D transformation, resource planning, and investment optimization, acting as a proactive change agent.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related business discipline.

• 3–5 years of experience in FP&A, strategic finance, or a related analytical finance role.

• Demonstrated ability to partner authentically with cross-functional stakeholders and influence decision-making through data-driven insights.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of accountability and attention to detail.

• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment while managing multiple priorities with agility.

• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• MBA and/or PMP certification.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word; experience with Power BI preferred.

• Advanced working knowledge of Oracle Cloud EPM Planning or a similar cube-based planning and reporting platform.

• Experience building and managing financial models to drive insight, support scenario planning, and identify optimization opportunities.

• Comfort challenging the status quo, influencing change, and driving continuous improvement in a collaborative, innovative culture.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to drive progress in a hybrid work environment (virtual and in-office).

We offer you:

• Purpose: Opportunity to create a more resourceful world by working on the 21st century’s biggest challenges: managing water, energy, and gas.

• Career: The opportunity to develop in a key finance hub of a multinational company with global scope.

• Compensation package: Competitive salary, pension plan, health insurance, flexible work arrangement, study support, parking.

Depending on your experience, this role is expected to offer between gross 60,000 EUR and 70,000 EUR annually. We review compensation regularly to stay competitive in the market.

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