Assistant Director Financial Planning & Analysis

Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Assistant Director of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) to support the Institutional Investment business and the financial capital initiatives of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. In this role, you will be responsible for independently and objectively leading the financial planning and analysis function, providing critical insights and recommendations to drive strategic decision-making and optimize financial performance. Further, you will collaborate and have interactions with cross-functional department heads and finance leaders to ensure accurate forecasting, budgeting and reporting processes. This role requires strong analytical skills, business acumen, business partnerships and whole leadership in FP&A.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide insightful analysis of financial performance, trends, and key drivers to support decision making at the executive level.
• Prepare and present accurate and insightful financial reports, dashboards, and presentations to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain financial models, scenario analysis, and sensitivity analysis to assess business performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Drive budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to provide financial insights and recommendations for strategic initiatives, investments, and business opportunities.
• Conduct ad-hoc financial analysis to evaluate potential risks and opportunities, enabling proactive decision-making and effective resource allocation.
• Support the development and evaluation of strategic business cases, including financial impact assessment and ROI.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor financial performance and drive accountability.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, providing guidance, coaching, and mentoring to ensure professional growth and performance excellence.
• Responsible for managing the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts and reporting of results including variance analysis. Includes developing planning assumptions and understanding and communicating key business drivers of actual results.
• Participates in the setting, monitoring, and reporting targets/outcomes related to key performance indicators, which may include revenue, expense, or other metrics aligned with the company's financial and strategic goals.
• Prepares financial modeling and scenario planning, and performs analysis to identify trends, guide resource allocation and understand business drivers to ultimately drive policyowner value and financial strength.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related degree required.
• Public accounting experience is preferred.
• Experiences with investments and insurance company capital activities is preferred.
• Certified Publica Accountant (CPA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) designation is preferred.
• Minimum of 7 or more years of demonstrated financial leadership in accounting, finance or financial reporting and analysis.
• Strong analytical, planning, organization, budgeting, problem solving, negotiation, oral and written communication skills are essential to this role.
• Ability to develop and interpret financial models for complex analysis.
• Attention to detail, with the ability to operate in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to develop rapport and maintain effective relationships throughout the Company and influence decision making without authority.
• Strong business acumen with an ability to understand and synthesize company-wide results.
• Demonstrated ability to overcome obstacles and lead through change.

#LI-Hybrid

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - End:

We believe in fairness and transparency. It's why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you're living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.

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Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages diversity in the workforce. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.

We're excited about the potential people bring to Northwestern Mutual. You can grow your career here while enjoying first-class perks, benefits, and our commitment to a culture of belonging.

• Flexible work schedules
• Concierge service
• Comprehensive benefits
• Employee resource groups