Manager - Planning & Reporting (OPEX)

The Manager, OPEX Planning Analytics will oversee the financial planning, analysis, and management of operating expenses (OPEX) and incentives across the Americas region. This role is critical in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of forecasting, budgeting, and reporting processes while driving process improvements and operational consistency across the region. As a key leader within the Americas Planning Reporting Centre of Excellence (PRCoE), the Manager will collaborate with onshore and offshore teams to align workflows, standardize practices, and deliver actionable insights that support the region s financial objectives.

This position will be part of the Americas Planning Reporting Centre of Excellence (PRCoE), based in Bangalore, India. The Manager will collaborate closely with other managers responsible for functions (overheads) and consolidation and reporting, as well as with onshore teams. This role will lead a team who will provide comprehensive support for all financial and planning activities related to OPEX and incentives across the Americas region.

This role requires the candidate to be available during US hours (5:00 PM IST to 2:00 AM IST) for 10 working days per month. The remaining working days will follow UK hours (1:00 PM to 9:00 PM IST). Flexibility to adjust work timings according to business requirements is essential.

Resposibilities

Personnel Cost Forecasting Analysis:

• Lead the forecasting and budgeting process for OPEX and incentives across the Americas region, ensuring accuracy and alignment with organizational goals.
• Manage and analyze financial data for key OPEX categories, including New Business pitch costs, IT, research, professional fees, and travel and entertainment (TE).
• Partner with onshore teams to address variances, trends, and risks, providing actionable insights for senior leadership.
• Drive scenario planning and reforecasting to adapt to changes in business activities, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness.

Process Standardization Optimization:

• Drive the standardization and optimization of OPEX forecasting processes across the Americas region, addressing inefficiencies and inconsistencies.
• Collaborate with senior managers to align tools, platforms, and methodologies for a consistent approach to OPEX planning and analysis.
• Lead efforts to explore and implement a new forecasting tool to reduce manual processes and improve efficiency.

Incentives Management:

• Oversee the incentive planning process, ensuring accurate allocations across practice areas and alignment with headcount projections.
• Partner with HR Rewards and FPA teams to validate incentive data and improve the accuracy and efficiency of the process.

Month End Close Process Support:

• Consolidate and reconcile OPEX and incentive data from various systems (e.g., D365, Concur, Workday).
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of accruals, journal entries, and reconciliations for OPEX and incentives.
• Work closely with Controllership to resolve discrepancies and maintain compliance with audit requirements.

Strategic Business Partnering:

• Act as a strategic partner to senior leadership, providing insights on OPEX trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with onshore and offshore teams, including Commercial Finance, Operational Finance, and Global teams, to ensure alignment of financial planning with business objectives.

Team Leadership:

• Manage and mentor a team of six Senior Analysts, fostering their professional growth and ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively to ensure timely and accurate completion of OPEX forecasting, budgeting, and reporting tasks.

Candidate Qualifications

Academics/Work Experience:

• Qualified accountant with 7+ years of progressive experience in financial or MBA/ Bachelor s Degree in Finance with 12+ years experience in analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting,
• At least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role.

Technical Competencies:

• Advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, advanced formulas, modeling, etc.).
• Familiarity with financial systems and tools such as D365, SAP BPC, Workday, Tableau, and Concur
• Strong background in OPEX management, forecasting, and reporting.

Key Attributes:

• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage complex data.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive and solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Adaptability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements and lead teams through change.