Senior Financial Planning Analyst

Confidential Government or Semi-government Entity; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

The Confidential Government or Semi-government Entity seeks a Senior Financial Planning Analyst to lead budgeting, forecasting and performance analysis across hospitality operations. You will partner with senior leaders to drive profitability and strategic growth through robust financial modeling and insightful reporting.

Mandatory CA qualification and hospitality industry experience. 5-8 years FP&A experience, strong Excel and ERP/BI skills, and proven business partnering with cross-functional

Qualifications

• CA qualification is mandatory.
• Hospitality industry experience is mandatory.
• 5-8 years FP&A/Corporate/Commercial Finance experience.
• Experience supporting multiple business units or properties is highly desirable.
• Strong FP&A and financial modeling experience.
• Advanced Excel and financial reporting skills.
• Experience Working with Senior Leadership and Operational Stakeholders.
• Strong Business Partnering and Commercial Finance Exposure.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, forecasting and reforecasts for hospitality operations.
• Develop detailed financial models to support strategic decisions.
• Coordinate departmental budget submissions and consolidate plans.
• Prepare monthly forecasts and variance analysis.
• Provide insights to improve revenue and cost performance.
• Support finance partner with leaders on initiatives and investments.
• Ensure accurate management reporting and KPI analysis.
• Drive automation and reporting efficiencies across systems.

Skills

Financial planning

Forecasting

Financial modeling

Hospitality KPIs

Excel

ERP systems

Power BI/Tableau

Stakeholder management

Communication

Multi-tasking

Education

Chartered Accountant (CA)

Bachelor's Degree in Finance

MBA/CFA/CMA advantage

Tools

Oracle

SAP

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

Job Purpose

The Senior Financial Planning Analyst is responsible for leading financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, business performance analysis, and strategic decision support across hospitality operations. The role will partner closely with operational leaders and senior management to provide meaningful financial insights, drive profitability, improve operational efficiency, and support long-term business growth.

Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification and hospitality industry experience are mandatory requirements for this position.

1. Principal Accountabilities

1.1 Financial Planning & Budgeting

• Lead the annual budgeting process and periodic reforecasts.
• Develop detailed financial models to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Coordinate departmental budget submissions and consolidate financial plans.
• Monitor budget performance and recommend corrective actions when required.

1.2 Forecasting & Financial Analysis

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual forecasts.
• Perform detailed variance analysis against budget, forecast, and prior-year performance.
• Analyze revenue trends, operating expenses, payroll costs, departmental profitability, and key business drivers.
• Provide actionable recommendations to improve financial performance.

1.3 Business Partnering

• Act as a trusted finance partner to operational and commercial leaders.
• Support department heads with financial analysis and performance reviews.
• Provide financial guidance on business initiatives, new projects, and investment opportunities.
• Challenge assumptions and identify opportunities to enhance revenue and control costs.

1.4 Management Reporting

• Prepare monthly management reports, dashboards, and KPI analysis.
• Present financial results and business insights to senior management.
• Monitor and report on key hospitality metrics including revenue, GOP, EBITDA, occupancy, average spend, and departmental performance.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting across the organization.

1.5 Strategic & Commercial Analysis

• Conduct feasibility studies, business cases, and investment appraisals.
• Support pricing, revenue optimization, and profitability improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate ROI and financial impact of strategic projects.
• Assist in long-term financial planning and growth strategies.

1.6 Financial Controls & Governance

• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information.
• Maintain compliance with accounting standards, company policies, and internal controls.
• Support internal and external audit requirements.
• Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen financial governance.

1.7 Systems & Process Improvement

• Develop and enhance financial planning models and reporting tools.
• Drive automation and reporting efficiencies.
• Utilize ERP systems and BI tools to analyze financial and operational performance.
• Support implementation of financial systems and reporting enhancements.

2. Qualifications & Experience

Education & Professional Qualification

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) - Mandatory.
• MBA, CFA, CMA, or other professional finance qualifications will be considered an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 5-8 years of progressive experience in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Corporate Finance, or Commercial Finance.
• Hospitality industry experience is mandatory, preferably within hotels, resorts, golf clubs, leisure destinations, entertainment venues, or hospitality groups.
• Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, management reporting, and business partnering.
• Experience supporting multiple business units or properties is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of delivering financial insights that drive business performance.

3. Knowledge & Skills

• Advanced financial planning and forecasting expertise.
• Strong financial modeling and analytical capabilities.
• In-depth understanding of hospitality financial drivers and KPIs.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms.
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or other business intelligence tools.
• Strong presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

4. Core Competencies

• Financial Acumen
• Commercial Awareness
• Strategic Thinking
• Analytical Problem Solving
• Business Partnering
• Decision Making
• Attention to Detail
• Stakeholder Management
• Planning & Organizing
• Results Orientation
• Continuous Improvement

5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Budget Accuracy
• Forecast Accuracy
• Timeliness of Reporting
• Variance Management
• Cost Optimization Initiatives
• EBITDA Improvement
• Revenue Enhancement Support
• Business Case Accuracy
• Stakeholder Satisfaction
• Reporting Automation & Process Improvements

Mandatory Requirements

Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA)

Hospitality Industry Experience

Strong FP&A and Financial Modeling Experience

Advanced Excel and Financial Reporting Skills

Experience Working with Senior Leadership and Operational Stakeholders

Strong Business Partnering and Commercial Finance Exposure