Associate Strategic Finance (FP&A)

Associate R&D Strategic Finance (FP&A)

Location: Chennai
Function: Strategic Finance – R&D
Work Schedule: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM IST
Work Model: Hybrid

Toast is seeking an Associate of R&D Strategic Finance to support financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and strategic planning for its Research & Development (R&D) organization.

The role will work closely with R&D leadership, Corporate Finance, and Talent Acquisition to manage headcount reporting and reconciliation, analyze budget versus actual performance, oversee vendor-related financial activities, and improve financial reporting processes through automation and standardization.

The ideal candidate will have strong FP&A experience, advanced Excel skills, financial modeling capabilities, and the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable business insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Planning & Analysis: Support monthly and quarterly financial close processes, including budget versus actual analysis, forecast updates, and financial reporting for the R&D function.
• Headcount Planning & Reporting: Own R&D headcount tracking, reporting, and reconciliation. Conduct trend analysis and collaborate with Finance, R&D leadership, and Talent Acquisition to align resource planning with business priorities.
• Headcount Forecasting: Analyze headcount trends and workforce-related financial data to support resource planning, forecast accuracy, and financial decision-making.
• Budget Management: Analyze financial performance, investigate variances, and prepare standard financial reporting packages with actionable insights for R&D leadership.
• Vendor Financial Management: Manage financial reporting for the R&D vendor portfolio, including purchase order (PO) and invoice reconciliation, variance analysis, and trend reporting.
• Financial Reporting & Analysis: Build and maintain reports using financial systems, tools, and datasets. Identify opportunities to improve reporting quality, analytical insights, and forecast accuracy.
• Financial Modeling & Data Analysis: Analyze large datasets, identify financial trends, and summarize complex information into clear recommendations and key takeaways.
• Process Improvement & Automation: Review existing financial processes and implement standardization and automation initiatives to reduce manual work and improve efficiency.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with R&D, Corporate Finance, Talent Acquisition, and other stakeholders to support financial planning, reporting, and operational objectives.
• Strategic Support: Provide financial insights that support R&D investment decisions, resource allocation, operational efficiency, and business priorities.

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant experience in FP&A, investment banking, consulting, private equity, business operations, or accounting.
• Strong financial analysis, modeling, budgeting, and forecasting skills.
• Experience with budget versus actual analysis, variance analysis, financial reporting, and trend analysis.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work with large datasets and convert complex information into actionable insights.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for financial presentations and reporting.
• Experience working with financial systems such as Workday, Adaptive, NetSuite, or similar platforms.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and intellectual curiosity.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM IST.

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Direct, in-house FP&A experience supporting an internal business function.
• Experience managing R&D or technology organization budgets and financial reporting.
• Hands-on ownership of headcount planning, headcount forecasting, headcount pacing, and headcount reconciliation.
• Experience partnering with Talent Acquisition and business leaders on workforce planning.
• Experience analyzing personnel costs, resource allocation, vendor spending, and budget variances.
• Experience improving financial processes through automation and standardization.