VP Business Finance

Overview:

The Vice President of Business Finance will lead the team that directs strategic advisory services to the functional organizations across the enterprise and partnering on day-to-day operations and long-term planning, including company-wide expense management activities. Role will be responsible for providing proactive recommendations around our internal and external spend, closely assisting business units in efficiently contracting this spend (through sourcing and procurement) and forecasting and analyzing sales and distribution growth. Significant interrelationships with Corporate Finance, People function, Enterprise Portfolio Management (EPM), Corporate Strategy, departmental operational planning, and corporate financial planning for Northwestern Mutual and subsidiaries business units. This role is critical in being able to continue to mature our business unit financial planning and analysis capabilities. Highly visible position that has interactions with senior leadership and business leaders throughout the organization, and requires strong business partnerships as analyses, insights and recommendations are presented, including negotiating with senior leaders across the business to influence decision making.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
* Serves as a key financial resource on strategic initiatives for the Department/Function including participation in business case development and using expertise to develop innovation solutions to broad issues.
* Responsible for budgeting, forecasting and reporting of financial data to track performance and influence decisions to support company financial and strategic targets.
* Drives efficient and coordinated usage of company resources and appropriate risk management oversight and protocols in driving and contracting for external spend throughout the organization through sourcing and procurement.
* Applies broad industry and enterprise knowledge to drive financial performance, anticipating and identifying issues that may impact enterprise-wide results.
* Drives accountability by setting, monitoring and reporting targets/outcomes related to key performance indicators, which may include revenue, expense management oversight, or other metrics aligned with the company's financial and strategic goals.
* Drive better decision-making and outcomes using data, process improvements, cost optimization, and operational efficiency.
* Partner with Corporate Finance, People function, Enterprise Portfolio Management (EPM), Corporate Strategy and senior leadership across the organization to ensure that company spending and resource allocations are aligned with the company's short- and long-term strategic objectives.
Stakeholder Engagement:
* Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support Business Finance efforts.
* Facilitate workshops and meetings to drive alignment and progress on strategic initiatives.
* Serve as enterprise leader in appropriate corporate governance committees to understand business needs, business planning and strategy.

Team Leadership:

* Build and mentor a high-performing team focused on transformation and business planning.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability.
* Provide leadership and guidance to project teams to ensure timely and successful completion of initiatives.

Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or other business required.
* Master of Business Administration or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
* Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in positions with increasing financial management responsibilities.
* Exceptional people leadership capabilities to create an engaging work environment.
* Intellectual agility, analytical and problem-solving abilities and well-developed presentation skills.
* Ability to develop rapport and maintain effective relationships throughout the Company and influence decision making without authority.
* Strong business acumen with an ability to understand and synthesize company-wide results.
* Demonstrated ability to overcome obstacles and lead through change.

Skills:

* Excellent leadership and team management skills.
* Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
* Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
* Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
* Strong project management skills with a focus on delivering results.
* Proficiency in financial modeling and analysis tools.
* High level of integrity and professionalism.
* Results-oriented with a strong sense of accountability.
* Adaptable and resilient in the face of change.
* Innovative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - End:

We believe in fairness and transparency. It's why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you're living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.

Grow your career with a best-in-class company that puts our clients' interests at the center of all we do. Get started now!

Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages diversity in the workforce. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.

We're excited about the potential people bring to Northwestern Mutual. You can grow your career here while enjoying first-class perks, benefits, and our commitment to a culture of belonging.

• Flexible work schedules
• Concierge service
• Comprehensive benefits
• Employee resource groups