About the Job

Work with Regional VP, Regional Directors, and internal management regarding financial outlook of Network/District Offices. Identify financial issues, and research and recommend options for resolution. Conduct financial analysis to support decisions related to overall Network Office financial health, and investments for future growth. Consult directly with field business partners, primarily Chief Financial Officers and Managing Office Partners, and may lead cross-departmental initiatives related to financial consulting, reviewing to assess current financial state/trends, including in-depth research/analysis of revenue sources, expense management, profitability, cash flow and debt structure/leverage. Further, conduct Where to Invest consulting, prepare financial scenarios using financial modeling tools, and provide ad hoc analysis to define/propose investment strategies.

What You'll Do

Consulting

• Proactively identify Office financial issues and assist the VP Distribution Performance/Principal and internal management in resolving these issues by providing research and resolution options, taking into account financial performance management standards, guidelines, and accountabilities.
• Conduct financial statement/financial health reviews to assess current state and trends of the Offices' financial position. This includes in-depth research and analysis of sources of revenue, expense management, profitability, cash flow and debt structure/leverage.
• Field Where to Invest Consulting
• Prepare financial scenarios using numerous financial modeling tools (e.g. FMM, Planning Tool, ROI, break-even) to direct decisions about investments in the Office.
• Collaborate with regional team, field business partners and internal management to assess the feasibility of new front line leadership roles (e.g. FD, GDD, DD, MD).
• Provide ad hoc analysis to define and propose investment strategies for the Office, including thorough review and understanding of: MP contract and compensation programs, expense management, financing debt servicing strategies and the financial impact of front-line leadership appointments.
• Create financial tools to assess the impact of and guide decision making on the timing of District start-ups and FD/DD appointments. Prepare MD/DD net income projection to assess the viability of the new appointment.

Financial Trend Analysis

• Provide summary reporting to internal management on Office financial health based on proactively identifying financial trends, opportunities and areas of concern. This information is used to direct management decision making on support provided to Offices.
• Work directly with the VP Distribution Performance/Principal and Field business partners on developing both short-term and longer-term financial plans for each Office.
• In collaboration with Field Accounting, develop trend analysis for specific requests and for the purpose of identifying best practices to be communicated to the Field and implemented in consultation with the home office.

Financial Oversight

• Provide day-to-day consultation to the Office on financial management through review and execution of: annual budget creation (including projections) and a 3-5 year rolling plan, monitoring Office line-of-credit usage, including overages related to MD or FR debt, regular review of year-to-date budget to actual results, active comparison of Office revenue and expense levels against peer group, addressing Field business partner questions related to financial matters and compensation, in collaboration with home office colleagues, and financial consulting project participation.
• Provide coaching and training to Field business partners to promote Office self-sufficiency. Train the Field on and advocate for Home Office tools, reports, and best practices for Office use.
• Participate in cross-departmental projects and initiatives to further develop financial consulting services and tools to support Field Management.
• Collaborate with Director and home office colleagues in financial tool development (modeling, retirement, net income projection, cash flow analysis, investment ROI, etc.) for the team. Evaluate potential development and enhancements for new financial consulting processes.

What You'll Bring to the Role

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting or finance required.
• MBA, or CFA strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of related business experience working with financial statements, performing financial analysis and modeling, and using spreadsheet tools.
• Broad knowledge of the company's products, distribution system, field compensation and sales reporting required.
• Strong analytical skills with the proven ability to analyze business problems and make decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and carry out diverse assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and acceptance at all levels within the Home Office and Field.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate complex technical or financial information to various audiences to gain common understanding.
• Experience working with Northwestern Mutual's Field Management with knowledge of commission system, contract structure, and financial programs highly desired.

Skills You Have

• Analytical Thinking (NM) - Organizes and compares various aspects of a situation to comprehend and identify key or underlying complex issues through the use of quantitative data and analysis; leverages strong business acumen, problem solving, and interpersonal skills to think critically about situations from multiple perspectives and consistently seeks ways to improve processes. 
• Consulting (NM) - Connects with stakeholders to understand and gain specific information to help resolve customer problems in a given domain. Communicates effectively intent to customers, solicits customer requirements, utilizes domain knowledge and collaborates with the right stakeholders.
• Financial Acumen (NM) -  Applies the knowledge of financial statements, financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible. 
• Financial Management (NM) - Applies financial management practices to plan, monitor, analyze, and communicate financial performance, risks, and opportunities in support of sound business decisions. 
• Interpersonal Savvy (NM) - Relates well to all kinds of people inside and outside of the organization. Builds appropriate rapport, constructive and effective relationships. Uses diplomacy and tact and diffuses high-tension situations comfortably. 

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We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.

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Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes talented individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.