Senior Financial Analyst - Strategic Planning

Our client is looking for a seasoned Senior Financial Analyst to spearhead strategic financial planning initiatives within a fully remote framework. While the role is remote, a connection to Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA , is beneficial for understanding local market dynamics. This position is integral to guiding the company's financial direction, forecasting future performance, and providing critical insights to senior leadership.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical mindset, exceptional financial modeling skills, and a comprehensive understanding of corporate finance, budgeting, and forecasting processes. You will be instrumental in developing long-range financial plans, evaluating investment opportunities, and assessing the financial implications of business decisions. Success in this role requires meticulous attention to detail, advanced proficiency in financial software, and the ability to communicate complex financial information effectively to both financial and non-financial audiences.

Key Responsibilities: Develop, implement, and manage financial planning and analysis (FP&A) processes, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning. Create sophisticated financial models to analyze business trends, forecast future performance, and evaluate strategic initiatives. Prepare detailed financial reports and presentations for executive management, highlighting key performance indicators (KPIs), variances, and actionable insights. Conduct financial feasibility studies and sensitivity analyses for new projects, investments, and business opportunities. Collaborate with department heads to develop annual budgets and monitor spending against budgets. Analyze financial data to identify opportunities for cost reduction, revenue enhancement, and improved profitability. Perform variance analysis and provide explanations for deviations from budget and forecast. Support Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) activities through financial due diligence and valuation analysis. Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data used for planning and decision-making. Stay updated on economic trends, industry benchmarks, and regulatory changes that may impact the company's financial performance. Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial systems and processes. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related quantitative field. A Master’s degree or MBA is highly desirable. Professional certification such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is a strong asset. Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in financial analysis, corporate finance, FP&A, or investment banking. Expert proficiency in financial modeling, valuation techniques, and statistical analysis. Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, financial planning software (e.g., Hyperion, Anaplan), and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle). Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely. Proven ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced, remote environment. Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting standards. High level of integrity and attention to detail. This is a demanding but highly rewarding remote role for a financial professional seeking to make a strategic impact.