Strategic FP&A Analyst—Insights that Shape Growth

The Senior Financial Analyst will play a key role in the Finance group, providing financial and operational support to the Cengage Work and ELT teams. The role allows significant exposure to business leaders and the opportunity to influence key decisions through insight, not just reporting. Responsibilities include forecasting and variance analysis; updating and maintaining key financial metrics; and providing financial and operational support in pursuit of strategic value drivers. The role reports to the Senior FP&A Business Manager. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Own core FP&A processes including monthly reporting, quarterly forecasting, and annual planning, with a focus on accuracy, insight, and continuous improvement Partner closely with product and business unit leaders to analyze product performance, profitability, and customer adoption trends Translate financial and operational data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for senior leadership Develop a deep understanding of business drivers and proactively identify risks and opportunities Perform detailed variance analysis, identifying root causes and communicating key drivers of performance Support strategic decision-making through ad hoc analysis, scenario modeling, and business case development Improve and automate reporting processes using modern tools such as BI platforms, data models, and AI‑assisted workflows Act as a key liaison between the Business Unit, FP&A, and Accounting to ensure alignment and consistency Assist in the preparation of internal and external reporting materials Support product setup, financial tracking, and new initiative analysis Investigate data discrepancies and drive resolution with cross‑functional partners Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience Undergraduate or Graduate degree in Accounting/Finance, or quantitative subject areas 2+ years of related experience in FP&A, finance, accounting, or a related analytical role Strong analytical foundation with the ability to move from data to insight to recommendation Adaptability to fast‑paced environments and rapidly evolving priorities Advanced Excel skills; comfort handling extensive data collections and building models Experience with or strong interest in data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau) and financial systems (SAP, Hyperion, etc.) Demonstrated curiosity and interest in employing technology, automation, and AI to improve financial processes and analysis Solid understanding of accounting principles (GAAP) and financial statements High attention to detail with the capacity to manage several priorities concurrently Strong communication skills, capable of presenting complex information clearly to non‑finance collaborators Growth mindset: proactive, coachable, and motivated to tackle increasing responsibility Cengage is committed to working with broad talent pools to attract and hire the most qualified individuals. Applicants are considered regardless of any classification protected by applicable federal, state, provincial, or local laws. Cengage is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, including during the job application process. If you are an applicant with a disability and require accommodation, contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Compensation Full base pay range: $67,000.00 – $87,100.00 USD. Individual base pay will vary based on schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location. Learn more about our Total Rewards Philosophy: #J-18808-Ljbffr Cengage