Analyst, IT Financial Planning & Analysis

Panera LLC; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Panera LLC in Saint Louis, MO is seeking an Analyst, IT Financial Planning & Analysis to analyze IT expenditures, budgets, and forecasts and to provide actionable insights for IT decision-making. This role covers month-end close, IT billing, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and cost management, with cross-functional collaboration to optimize IT spend and drive financial clarity for leadership.

Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex financial information are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
• Proven experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting.
• Strong Excel skills and familiarity with IT financial management metrics.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze IT expenditures, budgets, and forecasts to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Monitor and report on IT financial performance, identifying areas of concern and cost‑saving opportunities.
• Subject matter expert for Google Cloud Platform (GCP) cost reporting and forecasting.
• Execute monthly IT billing processes and coordinate with accounting.
• Assist in annual IT budgeting and periodic forecasts with cross-functional teams.
• Prepare and present financial reports and dashboards for IT leadership.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for IT projects and manage vendor expenditures.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Reporting

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job Purpose

Panera is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical individual to join our team as an Analyst, IT Financial Planning & Analysis. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing financial data related to IT projects and operations, assisting in budgeting and forecasting, and providing insights that support financial decision-making within the IT department. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate financial information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Location

This role will be in the Saint Louis, MO Support Center.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Financial Analysis and Monthly Close Management: Analyze IT expenditures, budgets, and forecasts to ensure alignment with organizational goals Monitor and report on IT financial performance, identifying areas of concern and opportunities for cost savings Ensure appropriate coding during month-end Close process Subject matter expert for Google Cloud Platform (GCP), working with IT Leadership to track and explain GCP project actual expenses and forecast expenses and update any reporting and forecasting accordingly to ensure accurate financial data
• Franchise IT Billing: Execute monthly IT Billing process to accurately bill approximately $15 M annually, ensuring billing is completed, accurate and submitted for review by accounting and adhering to deadline set to deliver the file Train and work closely with back-up for contingency purposes Work closely with Panera’s accounting and accounts receivable teams and act as first line of contact for any questions related to IT sales items or billing issues Maintain and update Glossary of IT Franchise fees
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Assist in the development of annual IT budgets and periodic forecasts Collaborate with IT project managers to track project budgets and expenditures Collaborate with Panera’s broader FP&A team to explain variances and manage forward-looking risks and opportunities to plan or forecast
• Reporting: Prepare and present financial reports and dashboards for IT leadership and stakeholders, highlighting key insights and trends Provide ad-hoc financial analysis as requested to support business initiatives. Tempo administration and reporting as needed
• Cost Management: Conduct cost-benefit analyses for IT projects and investments, evaluating the financial implications of proposed initiatives. Assist in the management of IT vendor contracts and expenditures to optimize costs.
• Collaboration: Work closely with IT teams, finance department, and other stakeholders to gather financial data and ensure accurate reporting. Participate in cross-functional teams to support strategic initiatives and projects.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements related to IT financial management and reporting. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in IT finance. Document on a continual basis all aspects of the day-to-day job of the IT Financial Planning & Analysis for contingency purposes in Confluence Partner with Zero Based Budgeting team to drive savings.

Qualifications (Education & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required
• Proven experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting, preferably within an IT or technology environment
• Strong proficiency in financial modeling and analysis tools (e.g., Excel, financial software)
• Familiarity with IT financial management practices and metrics
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with keen attention to detail
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present financial information to diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

Working Conditions

Required travel – local travel only

Physical Requirements

While performing this job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, sit, talk hear & use hands and fingers to operate keyboards

Equal Opportunity Employer

Disabled/Veterans

Competitive Pay

$64,638 - $77,565 annually The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

Saint Louis Support Center

With more than 2,000 Panera LLC and independent franchise bakery-cafes in the Panera Bread® family, and more locations opening all the time, it’s no wonder our company has been an excellent source of career and personal growth opportunities for more than 25 years. In neighborhoods across the U.S. and Canada, customers enjoy flavorful, handcrafted meals centered around freshly baked artisan bread. To us, that means serving food like we serve our own families – free of any of the items on our ‘No No’ List. Along the way, we also like to give back to our community. We enjoy working together, shoulder to shoulder with our customers, to confront a serious problem plaguing communities across this country – Hunger. Through our Panera Cares community cafes, we offer a dignified dining experience in an uplifting environment. In addition, we support our communities through day-end donations at our bakery-cafe locations and partner with local non-profit organizations. It’s this warmth that you’ll find when you join Panera Bread. From our competitive compensation and benefits packages to our unique cultural values, we’re confident you’ll find us a rewarding and fun place to work.