Commercial Finance Planning Analyst

Sazerac; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Sazerac is seeking a Commercial Finance Planning Analyst in Louisville to drive financial planning, performance analysis, and strategic decision-making. You’ll develop analyses, prepare executive reporting, and support the annual operating plan (AOP) while partnering with commercial leaders to enhance business performance.

The role blends strong analytics with business acumen, translating data into actionable recommendations for cross-functional teams in a dynamic, entrepreneurial industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, or related field.
• Advanced Excel skills with financial modeling and data analysis.
• Proficiency with BI tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
• High attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Ability to translate complex financial information for diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the development, coordination, and execution of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) including volume, revenue, and gross profit.
• Analyze performance against budget, forecast, and prior year; identify drivers and recommend actions.
• Build and validate planning models and data inputs (Oracle EPM).
• Produce detailed analyses for sales, margin, pricing, and product performance; provide insights to leaders.
• Perform variance analyses and root-cause investigations of financial results.
• Support scenario modeling and sensitivity analyses for planning decisions.
• Create recurring reports, dashboards, and KPIs for executives using Excel and Power BI.
• Improve reporting processes through automation and visualization tools.
• Ensure data integrity across reporting platforms.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Financial modeling

Quantitative analysis

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, or related field

MBA or CPA/CMA/CFA (preferred)

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Microsoft Excel (advanced)

Oracle EPM

Job description

Sazerac Company Overview

Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.

We’re proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of “world’s most award-winning distillery” through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.

Job Description/Responsibilities

The Commercial Finance Planning Analyst plays a key role in supporting the organization's financial planning, commercial performance analysis, and strategic decision-making. This position is responsible for developing insightful financial analyses, preparing executive reporting, supporting the annual operating plan (AOP), and partnering with commercial leaders to improve business performance. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical capabilities with business acumen to translate financial data into actionable recommendations.

Priorities

• • Support the development, coordination, and execution of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), including volume, revenue, and gross profit.
  • Analyze business performance against budget, forecast, and prior year, identifying key drivers and recommending corrective actions.
  • Build, maintain, and validate financial planning models, assumptions, hierarchies, and data inputs in planning system (Oracle EPM).
• • Produce detailed financial analyses to support commercial decision-making, including sales, margin, pricing, product, and performance.
  • Identify trends, risks, and opportunities through data analysis and present actionable insights to business leaders.
  • Perform variance analyses and root cause investigations to explain financial results.
  • Support scenario modeling and sensitivity analyses for business planning and investment decisions.
• • Build recurring financial reports, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for executive leadership and commercial teams, leveraging both excel and Power BI.
  • Improve reporting processes through automation, standardization, and visualization tools.
  • Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of financial data across reporting platforms.
• • Continuously evaluate and improve financial planning, forecasting, and reporting processes.
  • Assist with implementation of new reporting tools, financial systems, and planning technologies.
  • Promote best practices in financial analysis, data management, and performance measurement.

Qualifications/Requirements

MUST

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, or a related field
• Advanced microsoft excel skills, including financial modeling and data analysis
• Proficiency with business intelligence tools such as power bi or tableau
• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance audiences
• Excellent financial modeling and quantitative analysis capabilities
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

PREFERRED

• Mba or professional certification (cpa, cma, or cfa) is a plus
• Experience with erp systems (sap, oracle, microsoft dynamics, or similar) a plus
• Experience with planning and reporting tools such as hyperion, onestream, anaplan, or adaptive planning a plus

Experience

MUST

• 1–3 years of experience in financial planning & analysis (fp&a), commercial finance, corporate finance, or related analytical roles
• Experience supporting annual operating plans, forecasting, and management reporting
• Experience working with cross-functional commercial or sales organizations is preferred

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