Financial Planning and Analysis at Robert Walters

What you’ll do:

• As a Financial Planning and Analyst based in Johannesburg, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of the organisation’s Marketing & HR Finance operations. Your day-to-day activities will involve close collaboration with both local and international teams as you provide critical analytical support for budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement. By leveraging your expertise in data analysis, you will help drive informed decisions that optimise resource allocation while ensuring transparency across all corporate functions. You will also play a key role in developing robust reporting frameworks that enhance accountability within the business. Success in this position requires an ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at every level while maintaining a solutions-oriented approach that supports continuous improvement throughout the organisation.
• Liaise between Group Marketing, HR, and Finance teams to ensure seamless alignment of financial tracking, reconciliation, and reporting processes across multiple regions.
• Support the global HR budget and forecast process by collaborating with country HR Analysts to maintain accuracy and consistency in financial planning.
• Partner closely with Marketing and HR leaders to deliver data-driven insights, comprehensive financial analysis, and practical advice on cost management, investment planning, and resource allocation.
• Develop and monitor key marketing performance indicators such as return on investment (ROI) to evaluate strategic initiatives and departmental effectiveness.
• Conduct deep-dive analysis into global Marketing and HR expenditure to identify emerging trends, cost-saving opportunities, and areas for process optimisation.
• Review departmental spend requests, investment proposals, and procurement processes to ensure responsible resource allocation and adherence to organisational standards.
• Improve cost-controlling processes and reporting standards across HR and Marketing functions by implementing best practices in financial management.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional projects focused on enhancing data quality, automation capabilities, and integration of financial systems throughout the organisation.
• Provide training, guidance, and technical support on financial reporting tools as well as budget management processes to colleagues across various departments.
• Prepare ad-hoc reports and detailed analysis to support executive decision-making and long-term strategic planning.

What you bring:

• To excel as a Financial Planning and Analyst within this prestigious education group, your background should reflect proven experience in analysing complex financial data sets while communicating findings clearly to non-financial stakeholders. Your technical proficiency with advanced Excel functions alongside hands-on experience using ERP platforms positions you well for managing integrated finance operations. You bring an unwavering attention to detail that underpins your ability to deliver accurate reports even when juggling multiple priorities. Your interpersonal skills enable you to collaborate effectively across departments—particularly when supporting Marketing or HR teams—while your commitment to continuous improvement ensures that processes evolve alongside organisational growth. Adaptability is key; thriving amid change demonstrates your readiness for success in this fast-evolving environment.
• A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related field is essential for understanding complex financial concepts relevant to this role.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel coupled with strong data analysis skills enables you to interpret large datasets accurately for actionable insights.
• Experience with ERP systems such as JD Edwards or Oracle as well as familiarity with financial reporting tools like IBM Planning Analytics provides a distinct advantage when managing integrated finance operations.
• Demonstrable experience supporting corporate functions such as Marketing or HR within an international or multi-site organisation equips you with valuable context for navigating global challenges.
• Exceptional attention to detail ensures accuracy in all aspects of financial tracking, reporting, and reconciliation tasks assigned to you.
• The ability to manage competing priorities effectively allows you to thrive in environments where deadlines are tight and expectations are high.
• A highly professional demeanour combined with proactive problem-solving skills helps you quickly establish credibility among colleagues at all levels of the business.
• Your collaborative mindset fosters positive working relationships while supporting knowledge sharing across teams involved in cross-functional projects.
• A solutions-oriented approach paired with a commitment to continuous improvement drives successful outcomes for both routine tasks and strategic initiatives.
• Confidence paired with resilience empowers you to adapt quickly within a dynamic global organisation undergoing rapid expansion.

Please send your CV to catherine.blake@robertwalters.com