Business & Finance Analyst (Sales & CM)

DESCRIPTION:

About the Role:

We are looking for a Business & Finance Analyst to support our Group Finance team with Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), focusing on Sales and Contribution Margin (CM) performance. This role offers exposure to global stakeholders, commercial finance activities, forecasting, reporting, and the opportunity to grow into AI-enabled finance processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Planning & Analysis (80%)

Sales & Margin Analysis

• Analyze Sales (Gross & Net), CM$, and CM%.
• Perform Actual vs Budget vs Forecast vs Prior Year analysis.
• Identify key drivers impacting Sales and Contribution Margin (mix, pricing, COGS, FX, etc.).
• Prepare monthly commercial analysis reports and presentations.

Reporting & Dashboarding

• Develop and maintain financial reports using Excel, IBM Planning Analytics (IBM PA), and Power BI.
• Create dashboards, waterfalls, charts, and management reports.
• Support monthly board and management reporting requirements.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist in annual budgeting and monthly forecasting cycles.
• Support Sales and CM outlook submissions and consolidations.
• Prepare and maintain forecasting models and variance analysis.

Data Management

• Maintain Sales and CM data accuracy within IBM PA and Power BI.
• Perform reconciliations and data integrity checks.
• Assist with monthly FX forecasting and outlook consolidation.

Business Partnering & Ad-Hoc Projects (20%)

• Partner with regional teams on planning and analysis activities.
• Support Power BI dashboard maintenance and sell-out reporting.
• Conduct inventory and COGS analysis.
• Assist with Brand / Business Unit P&L reporting.
• Support competitor analysis and market intelligence activities.
• Participate in finance-related projects as required.

AI & Automation (Growth Opportunity)

No prior AI experience required.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Learn and adopt AI-powered finance tools.
• Automate reporting and FP&A processes.
• Build repeatable workflows and documentation.
• Improve efficiency and reduce manual reporting efforts.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Education & Certifications

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Economics, or related field.
• ACCA, CA, CPA, or CMA (completed or in progress) is an advantage.

Technical Skills

Must Have

• Strong Financial Analysis & FP&A knowledge.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Nice to Have

• Power BI or similar BI tools.
• IBM Planning Analytics (IBM PA).
• ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Dynamics 365).
• SQL, Python, DAX, VBA/Macros.
• Financial modelling experience.

What We're Looking For

• Self-starter with a proactive attitude.
• Fast learner with strong ownership mindset.
• Resourceful and action-oriented.
• Comfortable working across multiple time zones.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to explain complex financial concepts in a simple manner.

Preferred Background

We welcome candidates from:

Option 1: Big 4 / Professional Services

• 3+ years in Audit, Advisory, or Risk.
• Looking to transition into FP&A or Commercial Finance.

Option 2: Commercial Finance

• Experience in FMCG, Consumer Products, Manufacturing, or Retail.
• Strong FP&A and business partnering experience.

Success Measures

• High accuracy and data integrity.
• Strong ownership and execution.
• Effective stakeholder collaboration.
• Quality financial insights and commercial analysis.
• Continuous improvement and process automation mindset.

Why Join Us?

• Global exposure across finance and commercial teams.
• Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership.
• Hands-on experience in FP&A, forecasting, and business partnering.
• Growth opportunities in AI, automation, and advanced analytics.

Lahore