Senior Analyst FP&A

Overview of role:

WestJet is seeking a Sr Analyst- FP&A to support the WestJet Group with foundational processes, including monthly forecasts and annual budgets.  Reporting to the Director of FP&A (Financial Planning and Analysis), this individual will conduct forward-looking financial and operational analyses to support a variety of projects and strategic initiatives, communicating the findings to Executive stakeholders.  Senior Analysts will be expected to mentor peers, perform review, as well as work on more complex analyses and portfolios.

Key deliverables include:

Key member of both the FP&A and functional project teams who provides meaningful financial and operational insight

Support leadership and FP&A teams in performing detailed financial modeling and analysis for business cases, projects and initiatives with a goal of providing meaningful insights which can support both tactical and strategic decisions

Build and maintain forecast and budgeting models for business partners and respective leadership teams, working closely with them as key liaison to ensure accuracy and timing of costs within those plans

Track and analyze key performance indicators (including adherence to budget and forecast), highlighting relevant risks and opportunities

Communicate regularly with business partners to understand and act upon changes in the operating environment or larger economic environment

Author monthly reporting packages and analyses for business partners which includes expense variance analysis vs. budget and forecast, in addition to ad hoc requests

Present monthly financial results, forecast and key performance indicators to business partners, including Executive Team, with an aim to provide insight and corresponding follow up

Partner with Accounting to understand financial impact of accounting entries and policy choices on operational results

Be an active member of the Finance team; willing to mentor and coach peers, brainstorm issues, and be flexible in completing any task

Experience and qualifications:

Completion of a post secondary degree in Commerce or Business Administration.  A post graduate degree/designation (e.g. CFA, MBA, CPA) would be considered an asset

5 to 8 years of experience in progressively complex financial analysis roles

Ability and desire to provide keen insight to business partners (both in functional and technical capacities) to help drive meaningful business decisions

Extensive experience with financial analysis and modelling, including sensitivity and scenario analysis

Experience with and ability to distill large data sets in order to determine relevant information needs

Strong communicator who demonstrates ability to focus communication to the needs of the audience and translate financial information to operational information

Attention to detail, organized and thorough, with a desire for continuous improvement

Ability to analyze business