Senior Financial Planning Analyst
Confidential Careers · Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tailor my CV for this job — freeJob PurposeThe Senior Financial Planning Analyst is responsible for leading financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, business performance analysis, and strategic decision support across hospitality operations. The role will partner closely with operational leaders and senior management to provide meaningful financial insights, drive profitability, improve operational efficiency, and support long-term business growth.Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification and hospitality industry experience are mandatory requirements for this position.1. Principal Accountabilities1.1 Financial Planning & BudgetingLead the annual budgeting process and periodic reforecasts.Develop detailed financial models to support strategic and operational decision-making.Coordinate departmental budget submissions and consolidate financial plans.Monitor budget performance and recommend corrective actions when required.1.2 Forecasting & Financial AnalysisPrepare monthly, quarterly, and annual forecasts.Perform detailed variance analysis against budget, forecast, and prior-year performance.Analyze revenue trends, operating expenses, payroll costs, departmental profitability, and key business drivers.Provide actionable recommendations to improve financial performance.1.3 Business PartneringAct as a trusted finance partner to operational and commercial leaders.Support department heads with financial analysis and performance reviews.Provide financial guidance on business initiatives, new projects, and investment opportunities.Challenge assumptions and identify opportunities to enhance revenue and control costs.1.4 Management ReportingPrepare monthly management reports, dashboards, and KPI analysis.Present financial results and business insights to senior management.Monitor and report on key hospitality metrics including revenue, GOP, EBITDA, occupancy, average spend, and departmental performance.Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting across the organization.1.5 Strategic & Commercial AnalysisConduct feasibility studies, business cases, and investment appraisals.Support pricing, revenue optimization, and profitability improvement initiatives.Evaluate ROI and financial impact of strategic projects.Assist in long-term financial planning and growth strategies.1.6 Financial Controls & GovernanceEnsure the accuracy and integrity of financial information.Maintain compliance with accounting standards, company policies, and internal controls.Support internal and external audit requirements.Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen financial governance.1.7 Systems & Process ImprovementDevelop and enhance financial planning models and reporting tools.Drive automation and reporting efficiencies.Utilize ERP systems and BI tools to analyze financial and operational performance.Support implementation of financial systems and reporting enhancements.2. Qualifications & ExperienceEducation & Professional QualificationBachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) - Mandatory.MBA, CFA, CMA, or other professional finance qualifications will be considered an advantage.ExperienceMinimum 5-8 years of progressive experience in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Corporate Finance, or Commercial Finance.Hospitality industry experience is mandatory, preferably within hotels, resorts, golf clubs, leisure destinations, entertainment venues, or hospitality groups.Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, management reporting, and business partnering.Experience supporting multiple business units or properties is highly desirable.Proven track record of delivering financial insights that drive business performance.3. Knowledge & SkillsAdvanced financial planning and forecasting expertise.Strong financial modeling and analytical capabilities.In-depth understanding of hospitality financial drivers and KPIs.Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms.Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or other business intelligence tools.Strong presentation and stakeholder management skills.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.4. Core CompetenciesFinancial AcumenCommercial AwarenessStrategic ThinkingAnalytical Problem SolvingBusiness PartneringDecision MakingAttention to DetailStakeholder ManagementPlanning & OrganizingResults OrientationContinuous Improvement5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Budget AccuracyForecast AccuracyTimeliness of ReportingVariance ManagementCost Optimization InitiativesEBITDA ImprovementRevenue Enhancement SupportBusiness Case AccuracyStakeholder SatisfactionReporting Automation & Process ImprovementsMandatory Requirements✅ Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA)✅ Hospitality Industry Experience✅ Strong FP&A and Financial Modeling Experience✅ Advanced Excel and Financial Reporting Skills✅ Experience Working with Senior Leadership and Operational Stakeholders✅ Strong Business Partnering and Commercial Finance Exposure