Financial Planning & Analysis Analyst

Job Description

d.light is a global leader in making transformative products available and affordable to low-income families. d.light has sold 35 million products, including solar lanterns, solar home systems, TVs, radios, and smartphones, impacting the lives of over 200 million people. Our vision is to transform the lives of one billion people with sustainable products by 2030.

The FP&A Analyst is responsible for leading financial planning and analysis activities for d.light Uganda and Tanzania, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and supporting business growth. This role involves preparing budgets, forecasts, and financial models, conducting in-depth variance analysis, and providing key insights to management. The FP&A Analyst will work closely with cross-functional teams, ensuring financial data drives strategic decision-making, cost optimization, and operational efficiency.

This position requires a highly analytical, detail-oriented, and proactive finance professional with strong technical expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling.

Roles & Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Prepare and lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process, ensuring financial plans align with business objectives.
• Develop and maintain financial models to support strategic decision-making, scenario analysis, and business planning.
• Conduct variance analysis by comparing actual results with budgeted forecasts and providing actionable recommendations.
• Track and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor financial performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare scenario planning and sensitivity analysis to evaluate potential financial outcomes and strategic initiatives.

Business Partnering & Strategic Support

• Work closely with sales, operations, and marketing teams to assess financial implications of business decisions and market trends.
• Provide financial insights to support pricing strategies, cost optimization, and margin improvement.
• Deliver financial presentations and reports that communicate performance trends and strategic recommendations to leadership.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare and deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare financial reports for external stakeholders, including lenders and shareholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with financial performance and strategic objectives.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial policies, reporting standards, and local regulatory requirements.
• Align financial reporting with corporate and global finance team standards.

Cost Management & Operational Efficiency

• Monitor and optimize cost structures, identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining operational efficiency.
• Work with procurement and operations teams to drive cost efficiencies and enhance financial performance.

Process Improvement & Systems Optimization

• Leverage financial systems, budgeting tools (such as VENA), and ERP platforms to streamline financial processes and reporting.
• Identify areas for automation and efficiency improvements in financial planning and analysis.

Risk Management & Governance

• Identify and manage financial risks related to market conditions, currency fluctuations, and operational challenges.
• Ensure strong financial governance and support internal and external audits.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• CPA, ACCA, or an equivalent professional certification is required.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of financial planning and analysis experience at the management level, in an operation that has a minimum of $50m annual revenue.
• Proven experience in the energy, solar, or technology sectors is highly desirable.
• Experience working with budgeting and forecasting software, such as VENA.
• Proficiency in financial modelling, variance analysis, and scenario planning.
• Strong familiarity with ERP systems and business intelligence tools; previous Tableau experience is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Financial Acumen: Deep expertise in financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling.
• Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Ability to assess complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Business Partnering: Strong collaboration skills to work effectively across functions and provide financial guidance.
• Technology Proficiency: Advanced Excel skills, experience with ERP systems, and exposure to financial planning tools.
• Communication & Presentation: Ability to translate financial data into clear, concise, and impactful insights.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in financial reporting, especially under tight deadlines.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with a proactive approach to challenge.