Financial Planning & Budgeting Consultant

Job Title: Financial Planning & Budgeting Consultant

Location: Columbus, Ohio (100% Onsite)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Financial Planning & Budgeting Consultant to join our client''s finance team in Columbus, Ohio. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analytical skills. This role will partner closely with business leaders across the organization to drive financial planning processes, deliver actionable insights, and support key business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and long-range planning processes.

• Coordinate and consolidate company-wide income statement planning and forecasting activities.

• Collaborate with business unit leaders and enterprise stakeholders to develop financial plans and performance targets.

• Develop, maintain, and enhance financial reports and dashboards supporting monthly variance analysis and management reporting.

• Analyze actual results versus budget and forecast, identify key drivers, and provide recommendations for corrective actions.

• Prepare and present financial reports, analyses, and insights for executive leadership, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.

• Design and improve financial models, planning tools, and reporting processes to increase efficiency and accuracy.

• Utilize PeopleSoft, Hyperion, and other financial systems to support planning, forecasting, and reporting activities.

• Partner with finance business leaders to monitor monthly budget performance and identify opportunities for expense optimization.

• Support strategic planning initiatives through financial analysis, benchmarking, and business case development.

• Conduct ad hoc financial analyses and special projects to support organizational decision-making.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen financial planning and reporting capabilities.

• Mentor and provide guidance to analysts and team members on special projects as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor''s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Corporate Finance, Budgeting, Forecasting, or related financial roles.

• Strong understanding of finance and accounting principles within a corporate environment.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

• Proven experience performing financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to interact effectively with executive leadership.

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects from inception through implementation.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving business environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Hyperion Planning applications.

• Experience with PeopleSoft Financial systems.

• Experience supporting strategic planning and business performance initiatives.

• Prior experience within insurance, financial services, or large corporate environments.

• Experience leading process improvement and financial transformation initiatives.

Key Competencies

• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Budgeting & Forecasting

• Financial Modeling

• Variance Analysis

• Executive Reporting

• Strategic Thinking

• Business Partnership

• Process Improvement

• Data Analysis

• Leadership & Collaboration

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to work in a highly visible finance role where you will influence strategic decisions, partner with senior leadership, and contribute to the organization''s financial success while advancing your professional growth.