Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis

Job description

The Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis will serve as the primary finance leader for setting the strategic vision and direction of the FP&A organization. Reporting into the SVP Corporate Finance, this leader will partner with the executive leadership team in developing, tracking and optimizing WD’s financial performance. This leader will lead the development of the company’s short and long-range financial plans, annual operating plans, quarterly forecasts, short-and long-term operating expense, and executive performance reporting.

A successful candidate will combine deep financial expertise with strong business acumen, operational discipline, executive presence, and the ability to influence senior leaders across the company.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Work closely with the executive leadership team to develop short and long-term strategic business plans, annual operating budgets along with associated tracking and reporting. Proactively work with the executive leadership team in establishing appropriate spending levels and incentive programs to drive continued innovation while at the same time improving key operating metrics. Develop robust forecasting methodologies and processes to improve visibility into revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, free cash flow, and capital requirements.

Provide rigorous financial analysis and decision support for major strategic initiatives, investments, acquisitions, capital allocation decisions, and other new ventures. Translate corporate strategy into actionable financial plans, performance targets, and resource allocation decisions (operating expense and capital expenditures). Providing insights and guidance into our various reporting processes, including executive level performance packages, management packages and Board of Directors material.

Leading the development, monitoring and reporting of key operational metrics and driving processes to improve consistent productivity and efficiency improvements. Performing ad hoc financial analysis to support key business decisions. Working with internal teams to develop detailed peer reviews and competitive financial analysis. Support the quarterly earnings cycle in partnership with Investor Relations and Accounting, including guidance development, consensus and street-model reconciliation, and the financial narrative provided to external stakeholders.

Qualifications

15+ years relevant experience in Finance, Accounting or related fields in the technology industry. Strong analytical and business acumen, with a demonstrated ability to understand profitability drivers and to deliver financial results. A proven track record of process improvement including experience with financial systems and process change initiatives. Strong communication and relationship building skills at senior levels, with the ability to interpret and summarize data to aid management in achieving strategic and operational goals.

Driven and ambitious attitude with a high energy level, growth mindset and passion for identifying and driving process improvements. Confidence and experience to take high level goals and develop and execute plans to achieve those goals. Excellent verbal and written communications skills. Confidence collaborating across all levels of the organization and with presenting to the executive leadership team. Ability to challenge the norms and existing processes and relentlessly look for ways to add value and to position the organization for success Ability to effectively manage projects.

Expert level user of Excel, PowerPoint and modeling skills.