Forecasting Finance Manager

Job Title: Forecasting Finance Manager
Location: 100% Onsite – North Chicago, IL
Pay Rate: $42–$46/hour (based on experience and benefits selection)
Contract Length: 6 months (with potential extension based on performance and business needs)

Orion Group is seeking a Forecasting Finance Manager to support high-impact commercial forecasting activities for a leading pharmaceutical organization. This role plays a critical part in volume forecasting, long-range planning (LRP), latest best estimate (LBE) processes, and month-end close activities. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong analytical rigor, and can translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for senior finance leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver core forecasting outputs, including LRP/LBE decks and templates, month-end close decks, and detailed pipeline, demand, and variance analyses
• Set up forecasting files, pull and validate data, and support incremental LRP/LBE requests, including first-pass analyses presented to Associate Directors and Directors
• Support Consolidators by preparing graph files, schedules (YoY, QoQ), and populating presentation decks
• Ensure data consistency and alignment across systems (e.g., Sky and Rin) within LRP/LBE decks and supporting Excel files
• Maintain and update monthly LBE roll-forward templates, consolidation files, and monthly forecasting decks
• Support communication of monthly actual sales results and future volume forecasts to Finance Leadership, translating analysis into meaningful business insights
• Identify opportunities to improve forecast accuracy, process efficiency, and operational effectiveness through continuous improvement initiatives
• Provide ad hoc analytical support for evolving business and leadership needs
• Ensure data integrity and compliance with internal controls and reporting standards
• Champion change management by supporting adoption of new tools, systems, and forecasting methodologies, including training and cross-team collaboration

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting
• 3–5 years of experience in Commercial Finance, revenue forecasting, FP&A, or financial reporting
• Prior forecasting experience required; pharmaceutical or consumer industry experience strongly preferred
• Ability to perform under pressure with tight deadlines and short turnaround times
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex datasets and provide actionable recommendations
• High attention to detail with strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills
• Self-starter capable of working independently in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Pharmaceutical volume forecasting experience (experience with ZS or similar forecasting methodologies/tools is a strong plus)
• Experience with SAP, BPC, and/or Power BI
• Prior experience supporting LRP/LBE cycles in a commercial finance environment

Why This Role
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to high-visibility forecasting and planning initiatives within a leading immunology portfolio, working closely with senior finance leaders in a dynamic, results-driven environment.
 

Our role in supporting diversity and inclusion
As an international workforce business, we are committed to sourcing personnel that reflects the diversity and values of our client base but also that of Orion Group. We welcome the wide range of experiences and viewpoints that potential workers bring to our business and our clients, including those based on nationality, gender, culture, educational and professional backgrounds, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and age differences, job classification and religion. In our inclusive workplace, regardless of your employment status as staff or contract, everyone is assured the right of equitable, fair and respectful treatment.