Financial Planning Analyst Talent Pool

Smollan; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in South Africa is seeking an FP&A Analyst to bridge operational data with executive strategy. This role involves leading budgeting processes, conducting performance variance analyses, and providing data-driven recommendations to business leaders. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Finance, strong Excel skills, and experience in FP&A roles within retail or FMCG sectors. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking community of finance professionals.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a dedicated FP&A or Commercial Finance role.
• Experience in retail, FMCG, or professional services is preferred.
• Ability to build complex financial models.
• Advanced Excel with VBA/Power Query; experience with BI tools (Power BI/Tableau)
• Strong communication and data storytelling skills

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual budgeting process and monthly rolling forecasts.
• Deep-dive into monthly results to identify trends and risks.
• Act as a trusted advisor providing data-driven recommendations.
• Build robust financial models for new business ventures.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Curiosity

Education

Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics

CIMA, ACCA, or CA certifications

Tools

Excel (VBA, Power Query)

ERP systems

Power BI or Tableau

Tableau

ERP systems

Job description

At Smollan, we’re on an evolutionary journey where we’re shifting our story. We’re looking for truly unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. Where our people are cared for, happy and inspired in building an extraordinary place to work.

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) is the heartbeat of our financial strategic decision-making. We are looking for analytical storytellers who can see the narrative behind the spreadsheets and help us navigate a rapidly evolving global market.

By joining our Talent Pool, you’ll be first in line for upcoming opportunities to partner with regional leaders and drive profitability across our diverse offerings. By applying to this talent pool advertisement, this is an expression of interest in future opportunities.

As an FP&A Analyst, you will bridge the gap between operational data and executive strategy. Your core mission will be:

• Strategic Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting process and monthly rolling forecasts to ensure financial resilience.
• Performance Variance Analysis: Deep-dive into monthly results to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for cost optimization.
• Commercial Partnering: Act as a trusted advisor to Business Unit leaders, providing data-driven recommendations to improve margins.
• Scenario Modeling: Build robust financial models to evaluate new business ventures, acquisitions, or market entries.

Who You Are

You’re a "numbers person," but you’re also a "people person." You possess the technical rigor to build a complex model and the communication skills to explain it to a non-finance audience.

• The Credentials: A Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics. Professional qualifications (CIMA, ACCA, or CA) are a significant plus.
• The Toolkit: You are an Excel wizard (VBA/Power Query) and have experience with ERP systems and BI tools (like Power BI or Tableau).
• The Mindset: You are curious by nature. You don’t just find a variance; you hunt down the "why" behind it.
• The Experience: 3+ years in a dedicated FP&A or Commercial Finance role, preferably within retail, FMCG, or professional services.

We are building a community of forward-thinking finance professionals. Even if you aren't looking to move today, we’d love to connect for the future.