Job Purpose

Role –

The VMC FP&A Analyst reports to the BU FP&A VMC Team Lead and works closely with the BU Head, BU FP&A, R2R, Costing Analyst, IBP, ISC and Commercial Navigators / Controller, creating an impact by providing high value adding analysis on variable manufacturing cost (VMC) of the respective BU at various levels (BU, Performance Cell, Region, Country, Legal Entity, Site, Customer-Material to the ISC and Commercial association.

VMC CoE End to End Scope:

The VMC CoE Analyst collaborates with BU finance leadership to provide a detailed overview of VMC development, using advanced data platforms like CFIN, CRYSTAL, Power BI, Alteryx, and SAP BI. They identify cost variance drivers, conduct root cause analysis, and work with other pillars to implement corrective actions. The Analyst also supports future cost planning for critical pricing decisions.

As a reliable business partner, the Analyst identifies and flags process and system related issues, ensuring adherence to accounting standards and AkzoNobel’s P&L guidance (PLENT). They contribute to key projects and continuously improve processes through CI initiatives.

Candidates should be open to learning new skills and flexible in exploring new ways of working. AkzoNobel promotes a dynamic work culture with a focus on technology adoption to stay ahead of the curve. Analysts are expected to prioritize skill development to keep pace with market and competitor advancements, such as AI and Automation.

Key Activities

1. Planning (QRF + Budget):

• Budget Preparation: Prepare budget templates, gather inputs, and load FLM data; run validation checks and resolve data issues.
• Rolling Forecast: Update drivers and post approved manual adjustments; ensure documentation and version control.
• Forecast Translation: Upload and reconcile forecast data in HFM; resolve validation errors under guidance.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collect inputs from Demand, Data Science, Costing, and Procurement FP&A; track submissions to closure.
• Cost Trend Packs: Generate cost-trend reports vs PY/BUD/QRF; prepare variance tables and initial commentary.
• VMC Bridge Build: Consolidate inputs forPVM bridge and co-ordinate with HRT; validate mappings and ensure consistency with prior versions.

2. Strategic Business Support:

• Variance Packs: Prepare MEC variance packs and waterfall charts; summarize drivers for review.
• A06 Preparation: Populate A06 templates; compare to prior periods and fix mapping issues.
• KPI Dashboard: Refresh KPI dashboards (VMC, VMC/L); run data-quality checks andhighlight outliers.
• PVM Observations: Draft observations from PVM results for VMC Story telling.
• IBP Support: Compile IBP materials, update slides, record minutes and action owners
• Inventory Revaluation: Calculate RMPI-based forecast impact; maintain workings and assumptions repository.

3. Data & Process Integrity (System hygiene, process hygiene):

• Data Hygiene Monitoring: Run exception/integrity reports; flag anomalies (e.g., not-in-use materials) to owners.
• RCA Support: Provide data extracts and trend summaries for RCAs; track action status.
• Gap Ticketing: Raise system/process gap tickets and follow up to resolution.

4. Process Improvements:

• Product Cost Checks: Validate BOM/routing and cost splits; flag anomalies to costing.
• CI & Automation: Build macros/Power Query/Power BI measures; document steps and handover notes.
• System Reconciliations: Execute reconciliation scripts across HFM/CFIN/Crystal/SAP; log and categorize issues.
• Digital Tool Usage: Adopt approved AI/digital tools; provide structured feedback.
• Data Standards: Apply naming conventions and data definitions consistently.

5. Project Support:

• Project Documentation: Maintain project trackers, timelines, and RAID (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependency) logs for assigned initiatives.
• Data Provisioning: Extract, cleanse, and provision datasets for project charters and ad hoc analyses.

Experience

• Proven work experience “5 to 7 years” in a strategic financial analysis role is essential.
• Qualified chartered or cost accountant or similar equivalent professional competency.
• Experience in large scale manufacturing industry/GBS/GCC. Leveraging deep industry knowledge to enhance financial analysis, cost management, and strategic planning.
• Focus on stakeholder management (e.g. BU Head of Finance, Head of FP&A, Reg Proc Director, Comm, ISC Navigators, Acc Controller, R2R, etc.) engaging to drive actions that support strategic objectives.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting, optimize data processes, and provide strategic insights to support high-level decision-making (VMC FP&A team is collectively analyzing Variable Manufacturing Cost of around 6 billion €, BU wise ranging from 0.3 billion € to 1 billion €).
• In-depth knowledge of process order settlement and material ledger runs, familiarity with Inter Company (ICD) transactions, proficiency in managing material master attributes, strong analytical skills for financial reviews, and effective communication skills for managing price variations and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of Financial & Cost accounting, Product costing, Transfer pricing, IFRS, Financial Statements, and System accounting flow, with a dynamic and innovative approach to problem-solving.
• Must have experience in a multinational company, demonstrating a proven track record of success. Ability to think outside the box and drive strategic financial initiatives.
• Support in managing external financial reporting & ensuring compliance. Responsibilities include preparing VMC Price Volume Mix reporting and Analysis “A06”.
• Proven experience in managing complex organizational setups. Responsibilities include overseeing intricate financial structures, ensuring seamless integration of financial systems, and optimizing processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools ERP, HFM, BI, Power BI, CFIN and other data analytics software systems experience (including advance excel to build automated models via different tools like macro, power pivot, data consolidation and data analysis).
• Awareness on latest digitalization across industries. “Digital literacy, Strategic vision, Data driven decision making, Agility, adaptability, innovation & customer centric approach”.
• Manage the entire VMC end to end scope, from budgeting and forecasting to financial reporting and strategic analysis.
• Experience in working in a COE / shared service, working at regional or global level as well as being flexible and open to change.