Director of Financial Planning and Analysis Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of finance, the role of a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis has never been more crucial.

As the financial landscape evolves, so does the demand for strategic leaders who can navigate, enhance, and protect our financial footing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the crux of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of an ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of financial planning and analysis,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Director of Financial Planning and Analysis job description template, structured for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Director of Financial Planning and Analysis Duties and Responsibilities

A Director of Financial Planning and Analysis oversees the financial planning, decision support, and budgeting activities within the company.

Their primary role is to help the company make well-informed decisions to drive growth, profitability, and cash flow.

The Director of Financial Planning and Analysis will have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Oversee the development of financial plans and budgets and compare them against actual results to identify variances and trends
• Coordinate with different teams to gather relevant financial information and to ensure alignment with financial plans
• Lead financial modeling efforts to develop short and long-term operational forecasts
• Deliver presentations on financial forecasts and budgets to the executive team and board members
• Analyze financial data and market trends to identify business opportunities and cost savings
• Develop and implement financial systems and procedures to improve efficiency
• Review financial reports and ensure their accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Advise management on the financial implications of business activities and strategies
• Train and mentor junior staff in financial analysis and planning

 

Director of Financial Planning and Analysis Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a detail-oriented and strategic thinker to join our team as the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis.

This role involves overseeing our financial planning, budgeting processes, and leading financial analysis to support our company’s strategic initiatives.

The ideal candidate should have strong analytical skills, exceptional problem-solving skills, a deep understanding of financial forecasting, and the ability to work well within a team.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the financial planning and analysis department
• Develop financial models and analyze them to support strategic initiatives
• Supervise the creation of reports, software implementation and tools for budgeting and forecasting
• Participate in weekly forecast meetings
• Analyze complex financial information and reports to provide accurate and timely financial recommendations to management for decision making purposes
• Identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets
• Implement a business intelligence tool and dashboard reports
• Develop and monitor the company’s annual budget and monthly forecasts

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Financial Planner or similar role
• In-depth knowledge of corporate finance and accounting principles, laws and best practices
• Solid knowledge of financial analysis and forecasting
• An analytical mind with a strategic ability
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills
• Proficient in MS Office and financial management software
• BSc/BA in Accounting, Finance or relevant field; MSc/MBA is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Director of Financial Planning and Analysis
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel for meetings or site visits
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $145,000 minimum to $220,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis Do?

The Director of Financial Planning and Analysis typically works for corporations across a wide variety of industries, but can also be found in non-profit and government organizations.

They are responsible for overseeing the financial planning and budgeting processes, conducting analysis to make recommendations to senior management on matters such as potential new investments, mergers and acquisitions, cost efficiency measures, and operational performance.

They work closely with other financial professionals to gather and analyze financial data, create financial models for decision support, and ensure that the company makes sound financial decisions.

Their role also includes monitoring and analyzing current and past trends in key performance indicators, and overseeing and managing the continued development of budgeting, financial forecasting, and operating plan.

The Director of Financial Planning and Analysis may also be responsible for leading the development and implementation of a company’s long-term financial strategy, providing financial analysis tools and training, and driving process improvement initiatives.

They play a crucial role in providing financial leadership to their company, making strategic recommendations based on financial analysis, and ensuring the financial stability and growth of the organization.

 

Director of Financial Planning and Analysis Qualifications and Skills

A Director of Financial Planning and Analysis must possess a mix of financial acumen, strategic planning, communication skills and leadership abilities, including:

• Advanced knowledge of financial forecasting and diagnosis, corporate finance and information analysis to develop effective financial strategies for the organization.
• Well-versed in financial software applications to automate and modernize systems. This includes ERP systems, financial modelling software, and Microsoft Office Applications (particularly advanced in Excel).
• Proficient in data analysis and interpretation to gain insights and support business decision making.
• Strong leadership skills to oversee a team of financial analysts, ensuring work is properly delegated, deadlines are met, and team members are supported and developed.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex financial information and strategies to non-financial stakeholders in a clear, concise, and easy to understand manner.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities to anticipate future trends and outcomes and provide strategic advice to the senior management team.
• Understanding of the macroeconomic environment, industry trends, and market changes to factor into financial forecasting and planning.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to align financial management with short-term and long-term business objectives.

 

Director of Financial Planning and Analysis Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of Director of Financial Planning and Analysis generally need to have at least 7-10 years of experience in finance-related roles, with specific emphasis on financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.

This experience should ideally be gained in progressively senior roles, starting with positions such as Financial Analyst, Senior Financial Analyst, or Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis.

Each of these roles provide candidates with a solid understanding of financial analysis tools, strategic planning, and management reporting.

Candidates should also have a proven track record of developing financial models and reporting, making strategic recommendations based on financial data, and managing financial planning processes.

Experience in a leadership or managerial role is often required, as this position typically oversees a team.

Additionally, exposure to and experience in the specific industry of the hiring company can be a critical component of the role.

This can often be gained through previous roles within the industry, or through consulting or advisory work.

In some cases, employers may also prefer candidates who have experience with specific financial software, systems, or methodologies that are used within their organization.

Educationally, candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field.

An advanced degree such as an MBA or a designation like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is often highly desirable and may sometimes be required.

 

Director of Financial Planning and Analysis Education and Training Requirements

The Director of Financial Planning and Analysis position typically requires a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.

The role demands a solid understanding of financial planning, budgeting, and analysis, therefore, coursework or experience in these areas is crucial.

Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Finance for this senior-level role, as it provides advanced knowledge in strategic financial decision-making.

Certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) can also be beneficial and may be required by some employers.

These certifications testify to a candidate’s expertise in financial analysis, investment management, and strategic financial planning.

Furthermore, as this is a leadership role, several years of relevant work experience in financial management or a similar role is usually required.

This experience should ideally demonstrate the candidate’s competency in financial forecasting, variance analysis, and financial model development.

Given the nature of this role, strong analytical, decision-making, and communication skills are also essential.

Ongoing professional development and staying updated with the latest financial regulations, tools, and trends is also crucial for success in this role.

 

Director of Financial Planning and Analysis Salary Expectations

A Director of Financial Planning and Analysis earns an average salary of $134,338 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary significantly based on factors such as level of experience, industry, and geographical location.

 

Director of Financial Planning and Analysis Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis need?

Directors of Financial Planning and Analysis should have strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, as they will be required to interpret complex financial data and make strategic decisions.

They should also have excellent communication and leadership skills, as they will need to lead a team and present findings to upper management.

Proficiency in financial software and advanced Excel skills are also critical.

 

Do Directors of Financial Planning and Analysis need a degree?

Yes, a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis typically requires a bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field.

Many employers also prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field.

Additionally, certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) can be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis resume?

Look for a strong background in financial planning, analysis, and strategy, as well as management experience.

A successful Director of Financial Planning and Analysis will have demonstrated the ability to lead teams, develop financial strategies, and improve financial processes.

Knowledge of financial software and systems is also important.

 

What qualities make a good Director of Financial Planning and Analysis?

A good Director of Financial Planning and Analysis is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and has a strategic mindset.

They should be able to communicate complex financial information clearly to stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

They should also be a strong leader, capable of motivating and guiding a team towards achieving financial objectives.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis?

Hiring a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis can be challenging due to the high level of skill, experience, and education required for the role.

It can be hard to find candidates who have the right combination of technical financial knowledge, strategic thinking, and leadership ability.

Offering competitive salaries and benefits, as well as opportunities for growth and advancement, can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate and crucial role of a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis.

Surprised?

It’s not just about crunching numbers.

It’s about envisioning the financial future and outlining the path towards it, one strategic decision at a time.

With our detailed Director of Financial Planning and Analysis job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make your next career move.

But why halt your journey here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for creating razor-sharp job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every financial decision is a step towards a more profitable future.

Let’s chart that future. Together.

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