Financial Planning and Analysis Analyst

What We Do At Inland

Your new career starts here at Inland Packaging! We are a local label and packaging manufacturer seeking a Financial Planning and Analysis Analyst to join our growing team.

As a global supplier, Inland prints 30 billion labels for brands like Kraft Heinz, New Glarus Brewing, Purina, AriZona, Coors Light, and many more.

Inland is a family-owned business (80 years to be exact) that invests in cutting-edge technology and provides on-the-job training for endless career advancement opportunities.

Job Summary :

The Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Analyst will develop, maintain, and improve Inland’s forecasting process including income statement, balance sheet, cash flow, headcount and capital expenditures.

The FP&A Analyst will produce forecasts in an accurate and timely manner by effectively building relationships in the organization as well as capitalizing on advanced Excel skills.

In addition, this role will leverage financial acumen to provide detailed analysis, capable of assisting all areas of the organization with operational and financial decision-making.

The FP&A Analyst will focus on adding value to forecasting and analysis with an emphasis on cash flow and resource allocation.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

• Consolidates forecast process data and deliver accurate and timely income statement, balance sheet, cash flow, capex, and headcount schedules to the Director of Finance while ensuring proper resource allocation through each process.
• Analyzes operational data over time and compares it to the plan, actual, and previous year, as well as long-term trends to identify potential areas of opportunity requiring further investigation.
• Collaborate with leadership to prepare and analyze the sales forecast including data utilized in the monthly Sales and Operations Planning process (S&OP).
• Collaborates with various levels of management to obtain Operating Expense (OPEX) and SG&A forecasts and compile that data for use in the consolidated forecasting model.

Consistently challenge management’s proposals to ensure OPEX and SG&A requests are value-added and consistent with Inland’s companywide goals.

Develop operational metrics and targets to achieve financial goals. Work closely with operational leaders to review costs of goods sold expectations and KPIs to calculate the gross margin forecast.

Work closely with procurement to understand material pricing and the future impacts of pricing changes and update the forecast appropriately.

Develop models and what-if scenarios to validate assumptions and estimate potential financial impacts by leveraging the understanding of organizational expenses and key drivers.

Utilizes analytics to make recommendations that help achieve expense targets.

Creates complex financial, operational, and ad-hoc reports regarding expenses, including analysis of key financial metrics, financial modeling, and supporting activities.

Factors historical information and current trends into analysis as needed, considering the different structures, cost centers, hierarchies, and account level detail to retrieve information from various sources.

Assists internal teams with conducting profitability analysis of new business opportunities. Provides relevant data, insights and recommendations to support decision making and optimize business outcomes.

Ensures alignment with the company's financial and strategic objectives.

• Works with key business and operational stakeholders to identify areas of improvement for operation reporting and analysis.
• Proactively identifies opportunities for efficiencies and improvements to processes, controls and technology systems related to functions being performed.

Communicates with internal customers as appropriate.

Executes and / or participates in cross-departmental or cross-functional project work.

Essential skills and experience :

• 5 years of work experience in an accounting or financial planning and analysis role.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field and / or a combination of experience and education required.
• Prior experience working for a manufacturing industry.
• A deep understanding of accounting and finance concepts.
• Experienced in computing, analyzing, and interpreting complex data, and modeling.
• Strong analytical, research, accounting, and financial modeling skills.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and financial control concepts to ensure compliance with accounting standards.
• Communicates professionally with all levels of internal and external customers.
• Ability to develop productive relationships and communicate effectively with management, peers, plant personnel, suppliers, and customers.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Advanced to expert level proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, advanced in MS Excel, with the ability and desire to learn new systems and technologies.

Nonessential skills and experience :

• Advanced degree in business, management, or a related field
• Knowledge of the printing and packaging industries
• Knowledge of SQL and database structures
• Knowledge of Syspro or similar ERP

Work Environment :

Operates in a demanding, fast-paced, people-oriented manufacturing environment with frequent changes and interruptions, and multiple project assignments.

Works with a variety of people including vendors, customers, employees, managers, and executives.

Required Work Schedule :

• Typically works standard business days and hours.
• Must be flexible to attend conference calls, meetings, and other functions as they are scheduled.
• Must also be available during off hours, weekends, and holidays to meet organizational initiatives.
• Travel and overnight trips are required. Travel upwards of 4 times per year.

Physical Requirements :

Position generally sedentary. Must be able to occasionally walk, sit, bend, stoop, push, pull and stand; lift 20 pounds; 20 / 40 vision acuity.