Associate Finance Director

About the role

This position is Remote in Lafayette, LA, Baton Rouge, LA or Eden Prairie, MN. You will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in Minneapolis, Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office for a minimum of four (4) days per week. Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the quarterly forecast model, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and scalability
• Integrate inputs from business partners, systems, and historical performance into forecasts
• Perform variance analysis versus plan, prior forecast, and actuals to identify risks and opportunities
• Continuously improve forecasting methodologies, assumptions, and model structure
• Gather, validate, and consolidate financial and operational data for upstream and executive reporting
• Ensure alignment of reported metrics across FP&A, Accounting, and operational teams
• Serve as the primary point of contact for ad hoc data requests related to forecasts and performance
• Maintain strong data hygiene, documentation, and auditability of key assumptions and outputs
• Prepare initial financial and business performance commentary for forecasts, reviews, and leadership materials
• Translate complex financial data into clear, concise insights and narratives for senior leadership
• Act as a strategic thought partner to the VP, FP&A, proactively identifying key drivers, trends, and risks
• Support preparation for executive reviews, board materials, and other leadership level deliverables
• Partner with business leaders to understand drivers of performance and forecast changes
• Provide guidance on financial implications of initiatives, investments, and tradeoffs
• Influence decision making through strong analysis, clear communication, and business acumen

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in FP&A, corporate finance, or related analytical roles
• Experience with financial modeling and forecasting
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools (pivot tables, vlookup, etc.)
• Experience preparing executive level reporting and commentary
• Ability to travel domestically up to 10% of the time
• Ability to work full-time. Employees are required to have flexibility to work any of our shift schedules during our normal business hours of 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Reside within Lafayette, Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Louisiana or Eden Prairie, Minnesota
• Ability to keep all company sensitive documents secure (if applicable)
• Required to have a dedicated work area established that is separated from other living areas and provides information privacy
• Must live in a location that can receive a UnitedHealth Group approved high-speed internet connection or leverage an existing high-speed internet service

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or CPA/CMA (preferred, not required)
• Healthcare experience (preferred, not required)
• Experience working closely with senior executives or finance leadership
• Familiarity with enterprise planning systems (e.g., Planful, Hyperion, or similar)
• Experience supporting quarterly forecast cycles in a complex environment

Skills

• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Ownership mindset and accountability
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction
• Prioritization and deadline management
• Trusted partner mentality and discretion with sensitive information
• Operates as a senior individual contributor with significant autonomy
• Comfortable challenging assumptions and elevating insights
• Detail oriented while maintaining a broader business perspective
• Collaborative, responsive, and solution-oriented
• Attention to detail with the ability to synthesize large amounts of information
• All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy

Pay

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. The salary for this role will range from $112,700 - $193,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.