Senior Analyst FP&A (12 month FTC)

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives with our high-quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all – a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment.  As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values, we pride ourselves to be listed among the World´s Most Ethical Companies since 16 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do – acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation, and treating each other with trust and respect.

12 month Fixed-term contract. Supporting the EMEA FP&A Team in all aspects of planning and analysis for the Salon business unit in the Nordics. The postholder will work closely with the Senior Manager and Finance Director, as well as collaborate across all business functions and with senior executives in the Nordics and EMEA.

The ideal candidate will have an excellent understanding of business processes in an international commercial or industrial organisation, along with strong, holistic business acumen that goes beyond “Controlling by Numbers.” They will proactively drive business performance through effective business partnering, optimizing financial results with sound, persuasive analysis, profitability calculations, and the identification of appropriate corrective actions. Accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines consistently are essential in this role.

Key responsibilities:

• Financial Performance Management & Reporting . This role is responsible for preparing monthly, quarterly, and year-end management accounts, alongside financial and managerial reporting to support business objectives. It involves analysing variances in sales, margins, and costs, partnering with stakeholders to address issues, leading forecast variance analysis, and contributing to annual budgets and audited financial statements. Correct allocation of internal costs and cross-charges is a key requirement.
• Business Decision Support. The position manages the P&L by brand, country, channel, and sector, providing commercial insight and recommendations, including cost-saving opportunities. Support is provided to the Leadership Team through ad-hoc financial analysis, profitability assessments for product launches, pricing and promotional evaluation, and guidance of the monthly forecast process. Acting as a financial subject matter expert for strategic projects and building strong, value-adding stakeholder relationships are also central to the role.
• Planning and Budgeting. Ownership of the forecasting and budgeting process includes ensuring timely and accurate submissions, supporting budget holders in preparing forecasts, and collating and analysing financial planning information. The role also drives annual budgeting and in-year reforecast activities.

What you’ll need:

• Degree educated in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline
• 3–5 years’ experience with proven success in similar roles within international, matrix-managed organisations
• FMCG experience preferred, ideally within a highly reputable, product-led business driven by innovation and consumer or customer insight
• Hands-on experience of financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting
• Commercial acumen with the ability to think holistically
• High personal integrity, with a candid and transparent communication style
• Willingness to learn from both personal experience and others
• A collaborative team player who balances commitment with empathy
• Comfortable supporting and driving change
• Creative, resourceful, and courageous in approach
• Excellent written, verbal, organisational, influencing, and presentation skills

How we work: Having been selected among the World´s Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years, we are a company with a purpose and strong corporate values. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. At Kao, each employee can actively shape their job and their career. We work collaboratively to achieve our common goals, always aiming to deliver the best for our customers.

What we offer: A friendly and flexible work environment with competitive salaries, benefits package, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.

Hiring Process: Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe it is diversity that makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community. 

Want to learn more: If you feel you are as unique as our products and want to find out why 33,000 people across the globe opted for a career with us please visit our Americas website (https://www.kao.com/americas/en/) or EMEA website (https://www.kao.com/emea/en/)

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