Regional Financial Consultant

Northwestern Mutual•Milwaukee, WI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Summary Work with Regional VP, Regional Directors, and internal management regarding financial outlook of Network/District Offices. Identify financial issues, and research and recommend options for resolution. Conduct financial analysis to support decisions related to overall Network Office financial health, and investments for future growth. Consult directly with field business partners, primarily Chief Financial Officers and Managing Office Partners, and may lead cross-departmental initiatives related to financial consulting, reviewing to assess current financial state/trends, including in-depth research/analysis of revenue sources, expense management, profitability, cash flow and debt structure/leverage. Further, conduct Where to Invest consulting, prepare financial scenarios using financial modeling tools, and provide ad hoc analysis to define/propose investment strategies. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Consulting Proactively identify Office financial issues and assist the VP Distribution Performance/Principal and internal management in resolving these issues by providing research and resolution options, taking into account financial performance management standards, guidelines, and accountabilities. Conduct financial statement/financial health reviews to assess current state and trends of the Offices' financial position. This includes in-depth research and analysis of sources of revenue, expense management, profitability, cash flow and debt structure/leverage. Field Where to Invest Consulting Prepare financial scenarios using numerous financial modeling tools (e.g. FMM, Planning Tool, ROI, break-even) to direct decisions about investments in the Office. Collaborate with regional team, field business partners and internal management to assess the feasibility of new front line leadership roles (e.g. FD, GDD, DD, MD). Provide ad hoc analysis to define and propose investment strategies for the Office, including thorough review and understanding of: MP contract and compensation programs, expense management, financing debt servicing strategies and the financial impact of front-line leadership appointments. Create financial tools to assess the impact of and guide decision making on the timing of District start-ups and FD/DD appointments. Prepare MD/DD net income projection to assess the viability of the new appointment. Financial Trend Analysis Provide summary reporting to internal management on Office financial health based on proactively identifying financial trends, opportunities and areas of concern. This information is used to direct management decision making on support provided to Offices. Work directly with the VP Distribution Performance/Principal and Field business partners on developing both short-term and longer-term financial plans for each Office. In collaboration with Field Accounting, develop trend analysis for specific requests and for the purpose of identifying best practices to be communicated to the Field and implemented in consultation with the home office. Financial Oversight Provide day-to-day consultation to the Office on financial management through review and execution of: annual budget creation (including projections) and a 3-5 year rolling plan, monitoring Office line-of-credit usage, including overages related to MD or FR debt, regular review of year-to-date budget to actual results, active comparison of Office revenue and expense levels against peer group, addressing Field business partner questions related to financial matters and compensation, in collaboration with home office colleagues, and financial consulting project participation. Provide coaching and training to Field business partners to promote Office self-sufficiency. Train the Field on and advocate for Home Office tools, reports, and best practices for Office use. Participate in cross-departmental projects and initiatives to further develop financial consulting services and tools to support Field Management. Collaborate with Director and home office colleagues in financial tool development (modeling, retirement, net income projection, cash flow analysis, investment ROI, etc.) for the team. Evaluate potential development and enhancements for new financial consulting processes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, accounting or finance required.
Minimum of 5 years of related business experience working with financial statements, performing financial analysis and modeling, and using spreadsheet tools.
Broad knowledge of the company's products, distribution system, field compensation and sales reporting required.
Strong analytical skills with the proven ability to analyze business problems and make decisions.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and carry out diverse assignments in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to build rapport and acceptance at all levels within the Home Office and Field.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to articulate complex technical or financial information to various audiences to gain common understanding.
Business Development - Basic
Complex Negotiations - Intermediate
Conflict Management - Intermediate
Customer Service - Advanced
Data Analysis - Advanced
Data Reporting - Advanced
Financial Accounting Management - Basic
Financial Modeling - Advanced
Financial Statement Analysis - Expert
Process Improvement - Intermediate
Self-Direction - Advanced
Strategic Business Consulting - Intermediate
Talent Development - Intermediate
Trend Analysis - Advanced

Nice To Haves

MBA, or CFA strongly preferred.
Experience working with Northwestern Mutual's Field Management with knowledge of commission system, contract structure, and financial programs highly desired.

Responsibilities

Consulting Proactively identify Office financial issues and assist the VP Distribution Performance/Principal and internal management in resolving these issues by providing research and resolution options, taking into account financial performance management standards, guidelines, and accountabilities.
Conduct financial statement/financial health reviews to assess current state and trends of the Offices' financial position. This includes in-depth research and analysis of sources of revenue, expense management, profitability, cash flow and debt structure/leverage.
Field Where to Invest Consulting Prepare financial scenarios using numerous financial modeling tools (e.g. FMM, Planning Tool, ROI, break-even) to direct decisions about investments in the Office.
Collaborate with regional team, field business partners and internal management to assess the feasibility of new front line leadership roles (e.g. FD, GDD, DD, MD).
Provide ad hoc analysis to define and propose investment strategies for the Office, including thorough review and understanding of: MP contract and compensation programs, expense management, financing debt servicing strategies and the financial impact of front-line leadership appointments.
Create financial tools to assess the impact of and guide decision making on the timing of District start-ups and FD/DD appointments.
Prepare MD/DD net income projection to assess the viability of the new appointment.
Financial Trend Analysis Provide summary reporting to internal management on Office financial health based on proactively identifying financial trends, opportunities and areas of concern.
Work directly with the VP Distribution Performance/Principal and Field business partners on developing both short-term and longer-term financial plans for each Office.
In collaboration with Field Accounting, develop trend analysis for specific requests and for the purpose of identifying best practices to be communicated to the Field and implemented in consultation with the home office.
Financial Oversight Provide day-to-day consultation to the Office on financial management through review and execution of: annual budget creation (including projections) and a 3-5 year rolling plan, monitoring Office line-of-credit usage, including overages related to MD or FR debt, regular review of year-to-date budget to actual results, active comparison of Office revenue and expense levels against peer group, addressing Field business partner questions related to financial matters and compensation, in collaboration with home office colleagues, and financial consulting project participation.
Provide coaching and training to Field business partners to promote Office self-sufficiency.
Train the Field on and advocate for Home Office tools, reports, and best practices for Office use.
Participate in cross-departmental projects and initiatives to further develop financial consulting services and tools to support Field Management.
Collaborate with Director and home office colleagues in financial tool development (modeling, retirement, net income projection, cash flow analysis, investment ROI, etc.) for the team.
Evaluate potential development and enhancements for new financial consulting processes.