Director, Financial Planning & Analysis

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential.
The Director, Financial Planning & Analysis will be responsible for leading the delivery of value-added business analysis as well as defining and reporting meaningful financial and operational metrics that lead to insightful, accurate business decision-making. He/she will be responsible for building a comprehensive understanding of all key business drivers and sophisticated financial models that enable the team to deliver insightful, value-added analysis across the company in support of strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate must have extensive experience with developing dynamic financial modeling and analysis and the ability to guide and participate in building and supporting strategic initiatives with strong objective analysis as well as the production of clear and impactful presentations and reports. This role requires a strategic thinker, capable of building strong internal relationships, has a deep understanding of the insurance industry and its drivers and is comfortable interacting and presenting to all levels of the organization.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directs the financial planning, forecasting, business casing and strategic analysis activities and partners with the management team, both regional and corporate, to provide value-added insight into the business.
• Drive an efficient, effective and comprehensive process for developing financial plans and analysis that links to the strategic objectives.
• Provides leadership to a team which includes the performance and development of subordinate staff and fosters a positive, open team environment.
• Prepare a monthly reporting package that includes full financial statements, comprehensive Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reporting, operational Dashboard reporting, analysis of key business trends, actual versus budget variances and comprehensive executive level explanations of differences.
• Develop and monitor the company's annual budget and monthly forecasts, which shall include establishing budget tools, setting timelines and acting as project manager for the company, ensuring all budgets are accurate, comprehensive and completed on time.
• Accountable for leading process, system and timeline enhancements to improve the overall quality, value and timeliness of outputs.
• Prepare and monitor the company's long range strategic planning models through analysis of current and past trends in key performance indicators
• Leads the preparation of analysis, commentary and presentation material for monthly and quarterly financial review meetings. Provide financial modeling, financial analysis and valuation support for acquisitions, new product development, long-term contracts and other ad-hoc financial projects.
• Ability to analyze complex financial information to drive improvement; recommend areas for improvement and lead projects to enhance the reporting and analytical infrastructure.
• Develop and enhance competitive intelligence, customer intelligence, geographic economic data and technology trends.

• Conducts research and analysis of competitor products, underwriting and distribution strategies, as well as understanding emerging preferences of current and potential customers.
• Develop strong relationships with key industry players to ensure continuous access to competitive market intelligence.
• Participates in projects and/or other ad hoc analysis as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in accounting or finance, or equivalent
• Completion of a professional recognized accounting or financial designation
• Minimum of 5 years of senior level experience in financial planning and forecasting within the P&C insurance industry (preferred) or related financial services
• Senior level experience in the FP&A area in the insurance or financial services industry.
• Strong knowledge of planning and forecasting methodologies along with keen analytical abilities.
• Ability to lead, coach and develop financial analysis staff along with solid mentoring skills and the ability to motivate others
• Strong knowledge of business drivers and ability to build deep cross-functional relationships
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to effectively resolve complex situations and issues
• Excellent project management, organizing and planning skills
• Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, verbal and written communication skills. A keen ability to effectively interact with and influence internal staff and external business partners
• Thorough knowledge of the organization's systems and capable of modifying or developing new procedures to meet new and/or specialized needs as they arise
• Advanced Excel skills required. Knowledge of MS Access and VBA an asset.

At CNA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job. If you require an accommodation during the hiring process or upon hire, please inform Human Resources. If a selected applicant requests accommodation during the recruitment process, CNA will consult with the applicant in order to provide suitable accommodation that takes into account the applicant's accessibility needs.