Senior Financial Analyst - Menu Product Support

I. POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Financial Analyst for the Outback finance team is a key role that supports our Product Menu and Marketing Teams. This individual will conduct financial analysis for the Outback Steakhouse Brand that guides decision making while improving financial results.  Key responsibilities include the direct finance support for our Menu Design and Marketing Teams, forecasting and analysis of menu pricing and new menu items, decision support for key growth initiatives, and cross functional support and sharing key learnings across other Bloomin’ Brands concepts (Carrabba’s Italian Grill / Bonefish / Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse).

II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES

· Provide financial support to Product Marketing business leadership and Menu Design teams to support execution of

business objectives.

· Support corporate forecast requirements by partnering cross functionally with both business and finance support teams to build accurate forecasts that provide a balanced view of both anticipated risks and business opportunities.

· Generate insight from financial analyses, providing interpretation of data and key take-aways

· Provide analytical / modeling support to key business initiatives that balance investment risks with anticipated returns to ensure efficient use of both capital and operational expenses.  

· Prepare presentation ready materials containing both financial and operational metrics that focus on identifying drivers of performance. Actively communicates results via Weekly Staff Meetings and Monthly / Quarterly Business Reviews.

· Assist with Budget preparation, supporting key business assumptions such as Menu Mix, Cost of Goods Sold, Pricing Impacts, and new or limited time menu offerings.

· Monitor Month End accounting processes to understand variances between actual and expected outcomes. Perform forecast COE exercises and communicate drivers of variance to Leadership.

· Leverage Technology to support automation of reporting and improve access to information that guides the decision making of key business partners.

· Embrace the Outback Culture by actively supporting our Restaurants, partners effectively with Market Level leadership, and teaches / re-enforces business acumen and financial discipline.

· Perform ad-hoc analysis and other job-related duties as assigned

III.   Required / Requested Skills

· Independent and self-motivated with a proven ability to work with minimal supervision

· 3+ years of experience in financial planning & analysis or corporate finance, preferably in the restaurant or retail industry

· Demonstrated working knowledge of accounting principles and financial statement presentation

· Ability to analyze and problem solve with a high level of intellectual curiosity that leverages a strong statistical background

· Demonstrated ability to prioritize and multi-task in a fast paced, changing environment

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt to different audiences

· Technical expertise leveraging Microsoft Office (advanced Excel / PowerPoint), familiarity with data retrieval and reporting systems such as Essbase and working knowledge of data visualization and dashboard development in Power BI.

Education:

· Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting, required