Financial Planning Analyst

Ascendo Resources is currently seeking a Financial Planning, Reporting & Analysis Associate for a full-time, hybrid role located in Pine Brook, NJ.

Salary range is up to $115,000 with up to a 10% bonus and excellent benefits!

Our client is a well-established, global industrial manufacturing organization with an international presence.

Our client is seeking a hands-on FP&A leader to join its finance leadership team. This is a high-impact, business-facing role supporting senior leadership and partnering closely with operations, engineering, supply chain, and commercial teams.

This position is ideal for an FP&A professional who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and enjoys building, improving, and influencing finance processes—not simply maintaining them. The role plays a critical part in strengthening forecasting discipline, improving margin transparency, enhancing internal controls, and delivering actionable insights that drive profitable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Business Partnering & Leadership

• Serve as the primary finance partner to senior operational and executive leadership
• Translate complex financial and operational data into clear, actionable insights
• Proactively identify risks, opportunities, and performance improvement initiatives
• Act independently while driving cross-functional change and process improvement

Budgeting, Forecasting & Performance Management

• Lead the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts
• Own and implement disciplined Budget vs. Actual and variance review processes
• Partner with functional leaders to build data-driven assumptions across revenue, COGS, SG&A, and capex
• Develop and monitor KPIs to improve accountability and forecasting accuracy

Financial Analysis, Reporting & Automation

• Build and automate management reporting, dashboards, and KPIs (Power BI, Excel, ERP tools)
• Perform detailed gross margin and variance analysis (price, volume, mix, labor, materials, FX, absorption)
• Deliver deep insights into revenue, cost drivers, and project profitability (including POC accounting)
• Support month-end close and Group reporting with accuracy and timeliness

Cash Flow, Working Capital & Controls

• Support cash flow forecasting and liquidity analysis
• Partner on AR/AP analysis, inventory optimization, and working capital initiatives
• Strengthen internal controls and ensure compliance with IFRS, US GAAP, and internal policies
• Support audit readiness and continuous improvement initiatives

Transfer Pricing & Global Finance Support

• Perform transfer pricing and margin analysis across intercompany structures
• Increase transparency around cost flows and profitability drivers
• Partner with Tax, Treasury, Accounting, and Global Finance teams

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field (MBA, CPA, or CFA a plus)
• 5+ years of FP&A or finance experience (manufacturing or project-based environments preferred)
• Strong financial modeling, forecasting, and variance analysis skills
• Advanced Excel and Power BI proficiency; ERP experience strongly preferred
• Deep understanding of P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow dynamics
• Ability to explain financial results clearly to non-finance stakeholders
• Self-starter mindset with the confidence to challenge, simplify, and improve

Why This Opportunity

• Highly visible role partnering directly with senior leadership
• Ability to shape FP&A processes and influence business strategy
• Exposure to global operations and complex manufacturing cost structures
• Entrepreneurial environment with real ownership and impact

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Life and disability insurance
• Ongoing professional development opportunities