Director, Financial Planning and Analysis

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.•San Diego, CA

12h•$157,500 - $197,125

About The Position

The Director, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) serves as a strategic finance business partner to assigned business units and functional leaders, providing financial insight, analysis, and recommendations to drive business performance, profitable growth, and informed decision-making. The role leads financial planning, forecasting, performance analysis, and decision support, translating financial and operational data into actionable business insights. Operating within a publicly traded, global organization, the Director combines strategic thinking with hands-on financial execution. The position works closely with senior business leaders to challenge assumptions, evaluate opportunities, strengthen financial accountability, and support business objectives. The Director leads a small team of financial analysts while maintaining direct responsibility for complex financial models, analyses, and executive-level deliverables.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Typically 10–15 years of progressive experience in financial planning and analysis, corporate finance, operational finance, or related financial leadership roles.
At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience, including managing or developing finance professionals and partnering directly with senior business leaders.
Significant hands-on experience with financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, and financial performance analysis.
Advanced financial planning, forecasting, modeling, and analytical capabilities, including a strong understanding of income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow.
Strong business and financial acumen and the ability to understand commercial, operational, and organizational drivers of financial performance.
Ability to translate financial data into actionable recommendations and influence senior business leaders.
Strong understanding of financial reporting, accounting principles, and internal control requirements applicable to publicly traded organizations.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex financial modeling, scenario analysis, and data analysis.
Experience with ERP and CRM systems, financial planning platforms, and business intelligence tools.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to independently evaluate complex business issues and recommend solutions.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain financial concepts clearly to non-financial audiences.
Ability to challenge assumptions constructively, exercise sound judgment, and build trusted relationships with business leaders.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet critical deadlines.
Ability to work effectively in a lean, fast-paced environment requiring strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
Strong leadership and coaching skills and the ability to develop financial talent and collaborate across a global organization.
High integrity, accountability, attention to detail, and commitment to financial accuracy.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a publicly traded company or an organization with comparable financial reporting and internal control requirements.
Experience in manufacturing, life sciences, medical devices, diagnostics, or other complex product-based businesses.
MBA, CPA, CMA, or another relevant advanced qualification.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary finance partner to assigned business units and functional leaders, providing guidance and constructive challenge to support business decisions.
Develop an understanding of business operations, products, customers, markets, and financial and operational performance drivers.
Partner with business leaders to identify risks, opportunities, and actions to improve revenue growth, profitability, cash flow, and return on investment.
Provide financial leadership and recommendations regarding resource allocation, operating expenses, organizational investments, and business priorities.
Lead annual operating plans, periodic forecasts, and long-range financial planning for assigned businesses and functions.
Develop and maintain financial models supporting revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, headcount, capital expenditures, and profitability.
Partner with business leaders to establish financial targets, validate assumptions, and develop data-driven forecasts.
Conduct scenario and sensitivity analyses and recommend actions to improve forecast accuracy and business performance.
Coordinate with Corporate FP&A to align planning with company objectives, financial commitments, and reporting timelines.
Lead monthly and quarterly business performance reviews, analyzing actual results against budget, forecast, and prior-year performance.
Prepare financial analyses, management presentations, and executive-level reporting materials.
Identify and explain financial variances, business trends, and performance drivers, and provide recommendations for improvement.
Develop and monitor financial and operational KPIs.
Partner with Accounting and Controllership to understand financial results, investigate variances, and support accurate management reporting.
Present financial results, risks, opportunities, and recommendations to business and Finance leadership.
Partner with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Product Management, and other functions to understand financial performance and business drivers.
Analyze revenue, pricing, product and customer profitability, sales mix, and margin trends to identify growth and profitability opportunities.
Evaluate manufacturing costs, productivity, inventory, capacity utilization, and operational efficiency as applicable.
Develop financial analyses supporting pricing decisions, product launches, customer opportunities, cost improvements, and operational investments.
Support working capital management through analysis of inventory, receivables, and other relevant business drivers.
Develop financial models and business cases supporting growth initiatives, capital investments, organizational changes, and strategic decisions.
Evaluate investment opportunities through return-on-investment analysis, scenario modeling, and assessment of financial risks and benefits.
Support acquisition-related financial analysis, integration planning, and performance tracking as assigned.
Translate strategic priorities into measurable financial objectives and execution plans, and support business transformation and operational improvement initiatives.
Support financial planning, forecasting, and management reporting requirements within a publicly traded company.
Ensure financial analyses, forecasts, and reporting are accurate, supported, and consistent with financial policies and internal controls.
Partner with Accounting, Controllership, and Corporate Finance on quarterly and annual reporting activities.
Prepare financial analyses and materials for executive leadership, the Board of Directors, and investor-related reporting as requested.
Maintain documentation and review practices that support financial accuracy, internal controls, and audit requirements.
Promote financial accountability and disciplined decision-making across assigned businesses.
Lead, coach, and develop a small team of financial analysts and sales operations analysts, establishing expectations, priorities, and performance objectives.
Provide technical guidance and professional development to strengthen the team's financial modeling, analytical, and business partnership capabilities.
Maintain direct ownership of complex financial analyses, models, and reporting deliverables while leveraging team resources.
Review team deliverables for accuracy, completeness, and business relevance.
Foster accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and strong internal customer service.
Improve financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and analytical processes; develop and enhance financial models, reporting tools, dashboards, and performance metrics.
Use ERP and CRM systems, financial planning tools, and business intelligence technologies to improve efficiency, accuracy, and analytical capabilities.
Promote standardization and automation of recurring financial processes.
Partner with Finance and IT stakeholders to improve financial data quality and reporting capabilities.

Benefits

Competitive wages and potential bonus opportunities, equity awards, and commission, based on position.
Annual bonus opportunity of 22% based on company performance.
Annual equity award of $30,000.
Benefits eligibility beginning the first day of the month after starting.
Tiered medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
Health savings account and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Company-paid short-term and long-term disability, unless covered by a state disability plan.
Company-paid life insurance and AD&D.
Flexible Time Off Policy.
Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year.
Eligible employees may receive four weeks of paid Care Giver leave after one year of service or in accordance with state leave laws.
401(k) plan with a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution, beginning on Day 1.
Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life.
Nine paid company holidays per year.