FP&A Assistant

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Financial Planning & Budgeting Support

• Assist the FP&A Manager in coordinating the annual budgeting process, including collating data submissions from department heads and consolidating inputs into planning templates.
• Maintain and update financial planning models and spreadsheets to reflect the latest assumptions, actuals, and business changes.
• Support the preparation of budget packs and presentations for senior management review.
• Track budget submissions against deadlines and follow up with stakeholders to ensure timely delivery.
• Assist in preparing scenario and sensitivity analyses to support planning discussions.

2. Forecasting & Management Reporting

• Support the monthly and quarterly rolling forecast process by gathering inputs, updating models, and preparing draft variance commentary.
• Prepare sections of the monthly management reporting pack, including financial schedules, KPI tables, and supporting charts and exhibits.
• Analyse variances between actuals, budget, and forecast, identifying trends and flagging anomalies for the FP&A Manager’s review.
• Maintain reporting templates and dashboards, ensuring data accuracy and consistency across all outputs.
• Assist in distributing financial reports to budget owners and following up on queries in a timely manner.

3. Financial Analysis & Modelling

• Build and maintain financial models to support business cases, investment appraisals, and commercial analysis.
• Conduct ad hoc analysis on cost trends, revenue performance, margin movements, and operational efficiency as directed by the FP&A Manager.
• Assist in preparing ROI analyses for new initiatives, promotional activities, and capital expenditure requests.
• Gather and validate data from ERP systems, BI platforms, and operational teams to support analytical work.
• Present findings clearly in Excel and PowerPoint formats suitable for senior stakeholder review.

4. Business Partnering Support

• Liaise with department heads and operational teams to collect financial data and support the budget-holder review process.
• Assist in preparing financial packs and briefing materials ahead of business review meetings.
• Respond to routine financial queries from internal stakeholders, escalating complex issues to the FP&A Manager as appropriate.
• Support the FP&A Manager in promoting financial awareness and cost discipline across the organisation.

5. Systems, Data & Process Improvement

• Maintain the integrity and accuracy of data within the FP&A toolset, including planning software, ERP modules, and BI dashboards.
• Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of recurring reporting and planning processes through automation or template enhancement.
• Support the implementation and testing of system enhancements or new reporting tools as directed.
• Ensure all financial files and models are properly version-controlled and stored in accordance with internal data management standards.

 

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Progress towards a professional finance qualification (e.g., ACCA, CPA, CIMA, or CFA) is an advantage.

 

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in FP&A, financial analysis, management reporting, or a similar finance role.
• Demonstrated experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, and reporting cycles in a structured finance environment.
• Prior experience in the food, FMCG, manufacturing, or distribution industry is preferred.
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics) and BI tools (e.g., Power BI or Tableau) is advantageous.
• Exposure to working in Saudi Arabia or the GCC region is desirable.

 

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Strong analytical and numerical skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Advanced MS Excel skills, including financial modelling, pivot tables, and complex formulae; proficiency in PowerPoint is essential.
• Solid understanding of financial statements, accounting principles (IFRS), and management reporting concepts.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines.
• Clear and concise communication skills, with the ability to present financial information to non-finance audiences.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive attitude and a willingness to take ownership of tasks.
• Commercially curious, with an interest in understanding the operational drivers behind financial results.
• Self-motivated and eager to develop within a high-performing FP&A function.