Senior Associate, Budgeting & Forecasting

Job Summary The Senior Associate, Budgeting & Forecasting supports the preparation, management and analysis of the organisation’s budgets and financial forecasts. The role is responsible for monitoring financial performance, analysing variances and developing accurate financial projections to support effective decision-making. Working closely with the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis and departmental stakeholders, the position provides data-driven insights and helps ensure that financial plans remain aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing and consolidating annual budgets in line with the organisation’s strategic and financial objectives.
• Monitor actual expenditure against approved budgets and identify significant variances.
• Work with relevant stakeholders to address budget variances and ensure expenditure remains within approved financial plans.
• Prepare and update financial forecasts based on business performance, current trends and market conditions.
• Analyse variances between actual financial results, budgets and forecasts, providing clear explanations and actionable insights.
• Prepare financial reports, management presentations, scenario analyses and other materials for senior management.
• Collaborate with department heads and budget owners to gather financial inputs and ensure alignment with established financial targets.
• Monitor and control capital and operating expenditure to ensure compliance with approved budgets and corporate priorities.
• Review and continuously improve budgeting and forecasting processes to enhance accuracy, efficiency and timeliness.
• Support the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in implementing financial strategies and facilitating management decision-making.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or a related discipline.
• Professional qualification or certification, such as ACCA, CPA or CIMA, would be an advantage.
• Three to five years of relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial planning or financial analysis.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting and forecasting principles, processes and software tools.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial modelling and data analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, with the ability to prepare clear financial reports and presentations.
• Familiarity with financial software and enterprise resource planning systems, such as SAP or Oracle.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Good communication and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing business requirements and priorities.