Financial Analyst – FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis)

Financial Analyst – FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis)
Location: Irvine, CA – Hybrid (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday onsite; Monday and Friday remote)
Contract Length: 6 months, with potential for extension based on performance and business needs
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, standard business hours
Industry: Pharmaceutical / Life Sciences
Interview Process: Two rounds of interviews
$38-$43/HR based on benefit selections
 
Orion Group is partnering with a leading pharmaceutical company to identify an experienced Financial Analyst – FP&A for a contract opportunity in Irvine, CA.
The Financial Analyst will support financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, reporting, and analysis activities to drive business performance and informed decision-making. This position will partner closely with Finance, Accounting, and business stakeholders to ensure accurate financial reporting, identify trends and variances, and support strategic financial initiatives.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Finance or Accounting, advanced Excel proficiency, experience working with financial planning systems such as SAP, SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC), and Power BI, and the ability to independently analyze complex financial data. Previous experience within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry is highly preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial planning processes, including Plans, Long-Range Plans (LRP), and Latest Best Estimates (LBE).
• Prepare and analyze financial forecasts covering profit and loss (P&L), headcount, balance sheet, and capital expenditures.
• Partner with Brand Finance and FP&A leadership to evaluate financial performance, identify potential risks and opportunities, and recommend solutions to maintain approved budgets.
• Utilize financial planning systems and Excel-based models to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial projections.

Financial Reporting & Variance Analysis

• Perform detailed variance analysis comparing actual financial results against budgets, forecasts, and prior periods.
• Develop and maintain accurate management reporting schedules, financial dashboards, and performance metrics.
• Prepare and review monthly financial reporting packages, including P&L, headcount, and balance sheet analysis.
• Provide clear financial commentary explaining key business drivers, trends, risks, and variances.
• Ensure financial reporting is accurate, timely, consistent, and supports management decision-making.

Month-End Close & Accounting Support

• Collaborate with Accounting Shared Services to support monthly financial close activities.
• Review monthly actual results to ensure completeness, accuracy, and timely reporting.
• Investigate financial discrepancies and provide explanations for significant variances.
• Support reconciliations, reporting adjustments, and financial analysis related to monthly close activities.

Business Partnership & Financial Operations

• Collaborate with Finance leadership, business partners, and cross-functional stakeholders to provide ongoing financial analysis and support.
• Review and approve purchase order requests and invoices in accordance with financial guidelines and established budgets.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support operational and strategic business decisions.
• Communicate financial findings effectively to stakeholders and management.

Systems, Process Improvement & Special Projects

• Utilize SAP, SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC), Power BI, and advanced Excel tools to support financial analysis, planning, and reporting.
• Participate in financial planning system standardization, reporting optimization, and process improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to streamline reporting processes, improve data accuracy, and enhance financial efficiency.
• Support special projects, ad hoc financial analysis, and additional FP&A initiatives as business needs evolve.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in Finance, Accounting, Financial Analysis, or Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to independently navigate, maintain, and analyze complex financial models.
• Strong understanding of financial statements, including P&L, balance sheet, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Experience supporting financial reporting, monthly close processes, and financial planning activities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to business partners and management.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver accurate results within established deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and a proactive approach to process improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with SAP, SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC), and Power BI for financial planning, reporting, and analysis.
• Previous experience within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences industry.
• CPA certification or MBA.
• Experience supporting brand finance, commercial finance, or corporate FP&A functions.
• Experience with financial planning system enhancements, reporting automation, or process standardization.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate effectively across multiple departments.

Top Skills for Success

1. Finance & Accounting Expertise: Strong understanding of FP&A, budgeting, forecasting, financial statements, and variance analysis.
2. Advanced Excel: Ability to work confidently with complex financial models, formulas, and large datasets.
3. Financial Systems: Knowledge of SAP, SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC), and Power BI.
4. Communication & Business Partnership: Ability to communicate financial results, collaborate with stakeholders, and provide actionable insights.
5. Pharmaceutical Industry Knowledge: Previous experience supporting financial operations within a pharmaceutical or life sciences organization is preferred.

Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, analytical Financial Analyst with hands-on FP&A experience and a strong understanding of financial planning and reporting processes. They should be comfortable working independently in Excel, analyzing financial variances, preparing management reports, and collaborating with Finance and Accounting teams.
Candidates with experience using SAP, SAC, and Power BI, particularly within pharmaceutical or life sciences organizations, will be especially well-positioned for this opportunity.


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Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.