Senior Consultant – Financial Planning & Budgeting

Position Title -Senior Consultant – Financial Planning & BudgetingDepartment - FinanceEmployment Type - Full-Time

Experience: 7+ YearsJob Purpose

The Senior Consultant – Financial Planning & Budgeting will support effective financial planning and budget management by developing budgets, forecasts, and financial analyses that enable informed decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and align with organizational strategic and financial objectives.

Key ResponsibilitiesBudget Development & Coordination

• Lead preparation, consolidation, and review of annual and multi-year budgets in coordination with business units
• Ensure alignment of budgets with strategic plans, approved assumptions, and financial targets

Financial Forecasting & Planning

• Develop periodic forecasts and rolling financial plans
• Analyze variances between budgets, forecasts, and actual performance
• Recommend corrective actions based on financial insights

Financial Modeling & Scenario Analysis

• Build and maintain financial models for forecasting, budgeting, and scenario planning
• Evaluate financial impacts of strategic initiatives, investments, and cost optimization opportunities

Variance Analysis & Performance Review

• Conduct detailed financial variance analysis
• Identify drivers behind cost overruns, savings, revenue fluctuations, and operational inefficiencies
• Present findings and recommendations to management

Cost Control & Budget Monitoring

• Monitor budget utilization and expenditure trends
• Identify overspending or underutilization risks
• Support implementation of cost-control measures

Stakeholder Management

• Partner with department heads and finance stakeholders on budgeting and financial planning activities
• Provide advisory support on financial performance and resource allocation

Reporting & Management Presentations

• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports, dashboards, and executive presentations
• Present budget status, forecasts, and financial performance updates to leadership

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure consistency in budgeting assumptions and methodologies
• Support compliance with internal controls, governance frameworks, and audit requirements

Systems & Data Management

• Maintain budget and forecast data within ERP and financial systems
• Support system enhancements and data accuracy initiatives

Business Case & Investment Analysis

• Support preparation and evaluation of business cases and capital expenditure proposals
• Conduct ROI, NPV, and payback analysis

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve budgeting and forecasting processes through automation and standardization

Mentorship

• Provide guidance and technical support to junior finance team members
• Promote knowledge sharing and capability development within the finance function

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field
• Professional certifications such as CMA, CPA, ACCA, or CFA will be an added advantage

Experience

• 7+ years of experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, or management reporting

Required Skills & CompetenciesTechnical Competencies

• Financial Planning & Budgeting
• Financial Modeling & Forecasting
• Accounting & Financial Reporting
• Variance Analysis & Performance Reporting
• ERP & Financial Systems Knowledge
• Financial Governance & Internal Controls
• Advanced Excel & Reporting Tools

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong analytical thinking
• Effective communication skills
• Collaboration and stakeholder management
• Problem-solving mindset
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities