Financial Analyst

About the Company

Northwestern Mutual is a leading financial services organization dedicated to helping clients achieve financial security through innovative products, trusted advice, and long-term relationships. The company fosters a collaborative culture focused on professional development, operational excellence, and delivering exceptional value to clients while maintaining financial strength.

About the Role

The Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Analyst supports the organization's expense management strategy by providing financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and analytical insights that drive informed business decisions. Working closely with finance leaders and business partners, this role develops financial models, monitors spending, evaluates cost structures, and identifies opportunities to improve financial performance and operational efficiency.

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Onsite)

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Planning & Analysis
  • Develop financial analyses to support strategic business decisions.
  • Build and maintain financial models for forecasting and performance evaluation.
  • Analyze financial trends, variances, and operational results.
  • Provide recommendations that improve financial performance and resource utilization.
  • Support long-term financial planning initiatives across business units.
• Budgeting & Forecasting
  • Prepare and maintain departmental budgets and financial forecasts.
  • Monitor departmental spending and analyze budget performance.
  • Challenge assumptions used in forecasts and financial projections.
  • Identify financial risks and recommend corrective actions.
  • Assist leaders with expense planning and resource allocation.
• Expense Management
  • Support the company's overall expense management process.
  • Evaluate departmental cost structures and spending patterns.
  • Develop expense reports and provide value-added financial insights.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
  • Assist departments in managing expenses while maintaining business objectives.
• Financial Reporting
  • Coordinate monthly expense reporting for assigned departments.
  • Prepare recurring financial reports for leadership.
  • Analyze actual financial results against budgets and forecasts.
  • Present financial findings and recommendations to management.
  • Support executive reporting and decision-making activities.
• Financial Modeling
  • Develop financial models that support strategic planning and business analysis.
  • Evaluate business scenarios and operational alternatives.
  • Analyze key cost drivers, internal metrics, and benchmarking data.
  • Support business cases for new initiatives and investments.
  • Improve financial modeling processes and reporting methodologies.
• Compliance & Financial Controls
  • Ensure financial activities comply with GAAP and company accounting policies.
  • Maintain strong internal financial controls and documentation.
  • Support accurate general ledger accounting for expense-related activities.
  • Assist with financial reconciliations and reporting accuracy.
  • Promote compliance with organizational financial procedures.
• Systems & Process Improvement
  • Support financial reporting systems, including PeopleSoft, IBM TM1, Apptio, or Project Portfolio Management platforms.
  • Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and reporting efficiency.
  • Assist with system enhancements and process optimization initiatives.
  • Support corporate financial reporting and expense management systems.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement projects across the finance function.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with department managers, directors, and senior leadership to provide financial guidance.
  • Collaborate with Human Resources, Corporate Strategy, and other business functions.
  • Support special projects involving financial reporting, expense management, and operational improvements.
  • Communicate financial information clearly to finance and non-finance stakeholders.
  • Build strong relationships that support enterprise-wide financial planning.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Three or more years of experience in Financial Planning & Analysis, financial management, or a related finance role.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and expense management.
• Experience developing financial models and business analyses.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate financial insights effectively across all levels of the organization.

Preferred

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.
• Experience with PeopleSoft, IBM TM1, Apptio, Project Portfolio Management, or similar financial systems.
• Knowledge of GAAP accounting principles and financial controls.
• Experience supporting corporate finance or enterprise expense management.
• Experience with process improvement and financial systems optimization.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules.
• Comprehensive employee benefits.
• Concierge services.
• Employee resource groups.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Ideal Candidate

This opportunity is ideal for professionals who:

• Enjoy using financial analysis to influence strategic business decisions.
• Have strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling skills.
• Thrive in collaborative environments that partner closely with business leaders.
• Possess exceptional analytical thinking and attention to detail.
• Communicate complex financial information clearly and confidently.
• Are proactive in identifying opportunities to improve financial performance and operational efficiency.