Demo

Director, Financial Planning & Analysis

UL Standards and Engagement
Evanston, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 2/9/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/8/2025

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement, based in our Evanston, Illinois, office.

The Director of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) leads the financial planning, budget, and financial analysis functions for the organization, maintaining budgeting tools, processes, and procedures, and supporting leadership in decision making through regular financial reporting and ad-hoc analysis and insights. The position supports two nonprofit organizations, UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement.

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

At UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk, created new safety standards and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge.

What you'll learn and achieve :

As the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you :

  • Lead the annual budget process for the organization including use of Adaptive budgeting software, working in collaboration with unit and department leaders and the senior leadership team to ensure transparency and alignment of resources with the organization's short- and long-term strategies.
  • Partner with strategy, operations, facilities and human resources leaders in the development of long-term strategic plans, including facilities, equipment, people, and other resources.
  • Hire, lead, and develop a high-performing FP&A team to support the growth and mission of the organization.
  • Work closely with the Controller to oversee the design, preparation, review, and distribution of monthly and other regular financial and analytical reports that support ongoing decision making and management of the organization.
  • Analyze financial performance, including variance analysis, key performance indicators (KPIs), and financial trends and provide actionable insights and recommendations to support business decisions, cost optimization, and revenue growth.
  • Support senior leaders in preparation for Board and other leadership meetings regarding financial planning and results.
  • Lead ad-hoc analysis, report creation, and presentations for special projects and initiatives requiring historical and / or or forward-looking financial analysis.
  • Develop and document business and financial planning and reporting policies, procedures, and processes.
  • Contribute to the optimization of Adaptive budgeting and Workday reporting and any other related budgeting systems / tools.
  • Collaborate with accounting, treasury, tax, and other internal functions in the ongoing management of the overall finance organization.
  • Contribute to department and cross-functional initiatives, as needed.

What you'll experience working at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement : We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.

  • People : Our people make us special. You'll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today's global challenges require.
  • Interesting work : Every day is different for us here. We see what's on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You'll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.
  • Grow and achieve : We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.
  • Values . Four core values guide our work : collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.
  • Total Rewards : All employees at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are eligible for bonus compensation based on the level of the position. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.
  • What makes you a great fit :

    While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes :

  • Expertise in financial planning and analysis and related functions and systems.
  • Deep analytical skills with the ability to summarize and communicate in concise and compelling ways complex historical data and develop models and scenarios for short- and long-term planning.
  • Expert proficiency with Workday Financials, Workday Adaptive and MS Office including advanced skills in Excel and familiarity with analytical tools (e.g. PowerBI, Tableau).
  • Problem solving skills with the ability to identify root causes, develop practical solutions, and work in collaboration with colleagues across the organization to address strategic, operational, and any other roadblocks to success.
  • Leadership, initiative, and influence skills to create alignment and buy-in with multiple stakeholders and deliver results in a matrix organization.
  • Positive and collaborative attitude and interpersonal skills to work effectively with leaders and colleagues across the organization.
  • Engaging and approachable leadership style to lead and develop a high performing team, setting high standards and accountability for process and results.
  • High degree of curiosity to learn about the mission and impact of the organization and its areas of specialization.
  • Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills to deliver clear and consistent messages to audiences at all levels of the organization, including senior leadership and board of directors.
  • Ability to operate at a strategic and operational level, including attention to detail, focus on quality, speed, and outcomes, and willingness to both lead the work and execute.
  • Professional education and experience requirements for the role include :

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, economics or related field. MBA or advanced degree with emphasis in finance is preferred.
  • Minimum 10 years of directly related experience, including at least 5 years in management or leadership role.
  • Experience with scientific research, academic or research institutions, and with public policy, nonprofit, and / or mission driven organizations is desired.
  • Experience with financial planning for a complex, matrixed organization including for-profit and not-for-profit entities is desired.
  • About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

    UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

    Our affiliate, UL Solutions, stands alongside us in working for a safer and more sustainable world. UL Solutions conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools, for customers around the world.

    To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.

    Salary Range :

    158,735.43-$218,261.22

    Pay type : Salary

    Salary : $158,735 - $218,261

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