Financial Planning Analyst - Category

Job Summary

• The Finance Analyst will be a finance business partner to the Marketing Category teams. You will partner with cross-functional teams to provide P&L recommendations and ensure sound financial decisions are made for the organization. This individual will work directly with the FP&A team to assist in managing Category financials, quarterly forecasting, period close, & integrated operating plan (IOP).  

• As a Financial Analyst embedded within the Marketing Category Team, you will be responsible for providing financial insights and analysis to support the planning, execution, and evaluation of marketing campaigns and initiatives. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing managers, category leaders, and senior finance leaders, to ensure effective resource allocation, track performance, and assess the return on investment (ROI) of marketing spend across various categories. 

Responsibilities: 

• Participate and support the Marketing & Finance Leadership Teams through: 

• Financial Planning & Analysis 

• Support development & management of short- & long-term marketing budgets and forecasts 

• Provide financial analysis & insights to marketing teams regarding the financial performance of category specific marketing campaigns and initiatives  

• Analyze trends, cost-structures and returns on marketing investments to guide decision making 

• Reporting & Performance Tracking 

• Create and maintain category specific regular financial reports for category led campaigns, including tracking & budget adherence and spending variances 

• Develop & present ad hoc financial reports and dashboards to the Marketing & Finance Leadership teams 

• Collaboration with Category Teams 

• Partner with category managers and marketing teams to understand business objectives and provide financial insights that influence strategic decision-making. 

• Assist in the preparation of financial models to support new marketing programs, product launches, and promotional activities. 

• Collaborate with marketing teams to ensure accurate allocation and tracking of costs across marketing channels (e.g., digital, TV, print, social media). 

• Optimization of Cost & Efficiency 

• Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements within marketing spend. 

• Recommend adjustments to marketing budgets based on performance metrics and business priorities. 

• Help drive better resource allocation decisions based on financial data and business goals. 

• Business Partnering & Strategic Support 

• Work closely with FP&A team to provide strategic financial input into key marketing and overall business decisions 

• Support cross-functional teams in understanding financial implications of category strategies and spend 

• Assist in the creation of presentations summarizing performance for EGT, Board of Directors, etc. 

• Maintain presentation templates and communication with various FP&A teams 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or Accounting, MBA a plus 

• A minimum of 5 years of FP&A related experience 

• Ability to think creatively and quickly with minimal direction and information 

• Strong relationship-building, collaboration, and communication skills 

• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and financial modeling abilities 

• Data-oriented and consultative problem-solving mindset 

• Strong finance and accounting skills with high degree of attention to detail 

• Advanced Microsoft Excel  

Accountabilities: 

• Other metrics the position will be responsible for 

• Reports 

• Regular and predictable attendance  

Relationships: 

• Will report directly to the VP of FP&A and indirectly (dotted line) to the VP of Category 

• Will work directly with the Marketing, Sales, and Finance Teams