VP, Expense Planning & Optimization

Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated•Chesterfield, MO

8d•$150,770 - $224,640•Hybrid

About The Position

The VP, Expense Planning & Optimization plays a pivotal role in shaping the financial results by leading quarterly global expense management, the annual budget process, and strategic expense planning to optimize expense results. This role leads a team of leaders and their respective teams to support each business unit across RGA through the strategic expense planning, budgeting and global expense management processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field
10+ Years progressive relevant experience, including financial planning and analysis or management consulting and 4+ Years people management experience leading high-performing teams
4+ Years Financial systems and tools, including financial planning software
2+ Years working in a cross-functional environment
Word, intermediate Excel and SQL/Query skills - advanced proficiency required
Ability to investigate, analyze and solve complex problems/issues - advanced proficiency required
Ability to manage multiple projects and/or sub-teams simultaneously, including the ability to delegate key areas of responsibility - advanced proficiency required
Skills in oral and written communication, demonstrating persuasion skills, the ability to convey business terminology that is meaningful and well received by all associates and management at all levels and by external contacts. - expert proficiency required
People management skills, demonstrating an ability to lead, mentor and develop associates. - expert proficiency required
Ability to translate business needs and problems into viable and actionable insights. - advanced proficiency required
Ability to analyze and improve business processes - advanced proficiency required
Knowledge of expense management and controls and US GAAP and regulatory accounting. - expert proficiency required
Ability to liaise with individuals across a wide variety of operational, functional, and technical disciplines. - expert proficiency required
Ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through strategic planning and the implementation and evaluation of programs and policies. - advanced proficiency preferred
Ability to implement organizational, divisional and/or departmental vision and goals that result in achievement and success through exceptional leadership skills - advanced proficiency preferred

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS) MBA, CPA or advanced degree is preferred

Responsibilities

Lead quarterly and annual consolidated management reporting, accurately articulating the Company’s results for both senior management and the Board.
Partnering with CSO office to design, implement, and execute a comprehensive expense optimization framework across the organization
Support Investor Relations in preparation for quarterly earnings calls via broad understanding of Company-wide results.
Identify and drive cost-saving opportunities without compromising business performance or customer experience
Drive consistency in management reporting across global segments, leading changes in reporting, as needed, to explain results and support decision making.
Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress on expense initiatives
Own the relationship between Corporate and the regional segment CFO’s as it relates to understanding historical and current period results.
Partner with cross-functional teams to embed cost-conscious decision-making into the company’s culture
Lead the annual budget process, providing analytics and key performance indicators to support company growth needs while still managing expenses.
Own the relationship between Corporate and the regional segment CFO’s as it relates to understanding historical and current period results
Develop reporting to accurately and clearly present financial Plan to senior management and Board of Directors, ultimately gaining approval for the Plan and Budget
Provide financial support and guidance to business units to ensure effective cost management throughout budget period
Direct the monthly reporting of expenses across the organization, providing actionable insights and recommendations to department owners to ensure budget being managed properly.
Lead the annual budget process, providing analytics and key performance indicators to support company growth needs while still managing expenses
Manage the day-to-day expense needs of the organization, including approvals, tracking, and compliance with internal policies
Lead and mentor team for continuous development and upskilling.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence within the team
Drive process improvement initiatives needed to better automate and streamline the consolidated management expense reporting, annual plan and budget, and expense management processes
Serve as the organization’s expense thought leader, shifting the mindset around spending practices and financial discipline; craft and communicate the broader expense narrative to executive leadership, board members, and other stakeholders