Associate Finance Director

Associate Finance DirectorThis position is remote in Lafayette, LA, Baton Rouge, LA or Eden Prairie, MN. You will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in Minneapolis, Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office for a minimum of four (4) days per week.Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.The Associate Finance Director is a high impact individual contributor who serves as the operational and analytical right hand to the Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis. This role owns the quarterly forecasting model, leads data gathering for upstream and executive reporting, and prepares initial financial and business commentary that shapes leadership discussions. The Associate Finance Director plays a critical role in ensuring forecast accuracy, insight quality, and timely communication, acting as a trusted thought partner to senior finance leadership.This position is full-time. Employees are required to have flexibility to work any of our shift schedules during our normal business hours of 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.We offer weeks of on-the-job training. The hours of the training will be based on schedule or will be discussed on your first day of employment.Primary Responsibilities:Own and maintain the quarterly forecast model, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and scalabilityIntegrate inputs from business partners, systems, and historical performance into forecastsPerform variance analysis versus plan, prior forecast, and actuals to identify risks and opportunitiesContinuously improve forecasting methodologies, assumptions, and model structureReporting & Data Management:Gather, validate, and consolidate financial and operational data for upstream and executive reportingEnsure alignment of reported metrics across FP&A, Accounting, and operational teamsServe as the primary point of contact for ad hoc data requests related to forecasts and performanceMaintain strong data hygiene, documentation, and auditability of key assumptions and outputsExecutive & Leadership Support:Prepare initial financial and business performance commentary for forecasts, reviews, and leadership materialsTranslate complex financial data into clear, concise insights and narratives for senior leadershipAct as a strategic thought partner to the VP, FP&A, proactively identifying key drivers, trends, and risksSupport preparation for executive reviews, board materials, and other leadership level deliverablesCross Functional Partnership:Partner with business leaders to understand drivers of performance and forecast changesProvide guidance on financial implications of initiatives, investments, and tradeoffsInfluence decision making through strong analysis, clear communication, and business acumenYou'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field5+ years of experience in FP&A, corporate finance, or related analytical rolesExperience with financial modeling and forecastingExperience using Microsoft Excel and financial reporting toolsExperience preparing executive level reporting and commentaryAbility to travel domestically up to 10% of the timeAbility to work full-time. Employees are required to have flexibility to work any of our shift schedules during our normal business hours of 8:00 am - 5:00 pmPreferred Qualifications:MBA or CPA/CMA (preferred, not required)Healthcare experience (preferred, not required)Experience working closely with senior executives or finance leadershipFamiliarity with enterprise planning systems (e.g., Planful, Hyperion, or similar)Experience supporting quarterly forecast cycles in a complex environmentTelecommuting Requirements:Reside within Lafayette, Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Louisiana or Eden Prairie, MinnesotaAbility to keep all company sensitive documents secure (if applicable)Required to have a dedicated work area established that is separated from other living areas and provides information privacyMust live in a location that can receive a UnitedHealth Group approved high-speed internet connection or leverage an existing high-speed internet serviceSoft Skills:Strategic and analytical thinkingOwnership mindset and accountabilityAbility to work independently with minimal directionPrioritization and deadline managementTrusted partner mentality and discretion with sensitive informationOperates as a senior individual contributor with significant autonomyComfortable challenging assumptions and elevating insightsDetail oriented while maintaining a broader business perspectiveCollaborative, responsive, and solution-orientedAttention to detail with the ability to synthesize large amounts of information*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $112,700 - $193,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.