Senior Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Analyst

Description

WHO WE ARE

City First Bank N.A. is a mission-driven Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) principally focused on a transformative impact in underserved, urban markets with the highest needs to drive equitable economic development. Our lending activities are purely commercial and focused on the following segments: Multifamily Affordable Housing, Not-for-Profit Finance, and Small Business Finance. As a depository and commercial lending provider with over $1.2 billion in bank assets as of June 30, 2023, our unified organization has over 100 employees in Washington DC and Los Angeles/Inglewood, CA.  

ROLE SUMMARY

The Senior FP&A Analyst at City First Bank will play a key role in supporting the financial planning and analysis activities of the bank. This position involves collaborating with various departments to analyze financial data, prepare budgets, forecasts, and management reports, and provide valuable insights to drive strategic decision-making. In this role, you will proactively lead the activation of the strategy through connection to financial plans, broadly understand the performance of the businesses, guide the operating and financial cadence for the company and work closely with the CEO and CFO to develop relevant metrics, financial models, and financial systems to ensure effective analysis, reporting, insights, and actions. You will assist in driving corporate financial planning and analysis in support of the broader finance strategy partnering with key stakeholders including executive leadership, the board of directors, CFO, and finance leadership team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Work closely with business units to develop, monitor, and analyze annual budgets and quarterly forecasts.
• Provide insights into variances between actual results and budget/forecast figures.

Financial Analysis:

• Conduct comprehensive financial analyses, including profitability analysis, trend analysis, and cost analysis.
• Assist in identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and improve financial performance.

Management Reporting:

• Prepare and distribute regular and ad-hoc management reports to senior leadership.  
• Communicate financial performance trends and provide recommendations for improvement.

Strategic Planning Support:

• Collaborate with business partners to support strategic planning initiatives.  
• Contribute financial insights to assist in the evaluation of potential projects, investments, or business decisions.

Financial Modeling:

• Develop and maintain financial models to support decision-making processes.  
• Evaluate the financial impact of various scenarios and provide actionable recommendations.

Expense Management:

• Analyze and monitor departmental expenses, highlighting areas for potential cost savings or efficiency improvements.  
• Assist in the development and tracking of expense budgets.

Forecast Accuracy Improvement:

• Work to enhance the accuracy of forecasting models through continuous improvement and refinement.  
• Provide training and support to business units on forecasting best practices.

Adherence to Regulatory Requirements:

• Ensure that financial reporting and analysis activities comply with regulatory requirements and accounting standards.  
• Stay updated on relevant regulatory changes impacting financial reporting.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with other departments, including Accounting, Risk Management, and Operations, to gather relevant financial data and insights.  
• Foster effective communication and relationships with internal stakeholders. 

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree required in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 4-6 years of directly related work experience in financial planning and analysis, preferably within the banking or financial services industry.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with proficiency in financial modeling.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information in a clear and concise manner.
• Proficient in financial software and advanced knowledge of MS Excel.
• Knowledge of banking products, services, and regulatory environments.

CERTIFICATIONS

• CFP or CFA preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Required Knowledge & Skills:

• Capable of working independently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with capacity to interact with all levels.
• Team player with a demonstrated great attitude
• Strong dynamic financial modeling skills
• Creative problem-solving ability and sound judgment – ability to use own initiative and take responsibility for decisions.
• Apply knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization’s goals.
• See ahead to future possibilities and translate them into breakthrough strategies.
• Develop and deliver multimode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills; ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects with the highest attention to detail.