Role Description: The Financial Planning Specialist is a full-time, on-site role based in Victoria Island, Lagos.
This role is responsible for developing and maintaining financial plans, budgets, and forecasts to support strategic and operational decision-making. Responsible for building and maintaining detailed day-to-day financial models, performing variance analysis, and ensuring data integrity across financial planning systems. Supports the team in analysing and developing reports for assigned projects.
- Relevant academic background such as a bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; professional certifications (e.g., CFA, ACCA, CPA) are an advantage.
- Experience: 3-5+ years of experience in financial analysis or planning.
- Candidates should possess strong Financial Planning and Finance skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling.
- Candidates should possess solid Analytical Skills to interpret complex data, identify trends, and support data-driven decisions.
- Candidates should possess Accounting and Financial Reporting skills to ensure accurate records and timely management reports.
- Candidates should possess proficiency in spreadsheet and financial analysis tools (e.g., Excel, financial software) and a strong attention to detail.
- Experience in real estate, infrastructure, or project-based environments in emerging markets is beneficial.
Financial Planning and Analysis
- Build and maintain detailed financial models for assigned projects using Excel and other financial planning tools.
- Update existing financial models with actual performance data and revised assumptions.
- Perform sensitivity analysis and scenario modelling to assess project outcomes.
- Review financial models for accuracy and consistency with established standards.
- Document model assumptions, calculations, and methodologies.
Data Collection and Forecasting
- Gather financial and operational data from various departments (Sales, Operations, etc.).
- Validate data accuracy and completeness, investigating and resolving discrepancies.
- Analyze historical data to identify trends and patterns for forecasting.
- Support the development of project budgets and forecasts.
- Maintain databases of historical performance metrics and assumptions.
- Prepare monthly/quarterly financial performance reports for assigned projects.
- Create clear and concise presentations of financial analysis for management review.
- Generate standard and ad-hoc reports as requested by team leadership.
- Ensure reports are delivered according to established timelines.
- Design and update reporting templates to improve efficiency.
- Compare actual project performance against budgeted figures.
- Identify significant variances and investigate root causes.
- Document explanations for variances from stakeholders.
- Track and report on key performance indicators.
- Suggest potential corrective actions based on variance analysis.
- Participate in project review meetings to provide financial insights.
- Support the development of business cases for new initiatives.
- Assist in financial evaluation of project alternatives.
- Maintain project documentation and files.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather required information.
- Ensure data integrity in financial planning systems.
- Maintain organised records of all financial analyses and reports.
- Document processes and procedures for financial planning activities.
- Support process improvement initiatives.
- Keep track of version control for financial models and reports.
- Assist senior team members with complex analyses and special projects.
- Contribute to the development of best practices and standards.
- Help prepare materials for management presentations.
- Support knowledge sharing within the team.
- Flag potential issues or concerns to team leadership promptly.