Job Purpose

Panera is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical individual to join our team as an Analyst, IT Financial Planning & Analysis. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing financial data related to IT projects and operations, assisting in budgeting and forecasting, and providing insights that support financial decision-making within the IT department. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate financial information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Location: This role will be in the Saint Louis, MO Support Center.

Duties & Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of this job include, but are not limited to:

• Financial Analysis and Monthly Close Management:

• Analyze IT expenditures, budgets, and forecasts to ensure alignment with organizational goals
• Monitor and report on IT financial performance, identifying areas of concern and opportunities for cost savings
• Ensure appropriate coding during month-end Close process
• Subject matter expert for Google Cloud Platform (GCP), working with IT Leadership to track and explain GCP project actual expenses and forecast expenses and update any reporting and forecasting accordingly to ensure accurate financial data
• Franchise IT Billing:
  • Execute monthly IT Billing process to accurately bill approximately $15 M annually, ensuring billing is completed, accurate and submitted for review by accounting and adhering to deadline set to deliver the file
  • Train and work closely with back-up for contingency purposes
  • Work closely with Panera’s accounting and accounts receivable teams and act as first line of contact for any questions related to IT sales items or billing issues
  • Maintain and update Glossary of IT Franchise fees
• Budgeting and Forecasting:
• Assist in the development of annual IT budgets and periodic forecasts
• Collaborate with IT project managers to track project budgets and expenditures
• Collaborate with Panera’s broader FP&A team to explain variances and manage forward-looking risks and opportunities to plan or forecast
• Reporting:
• Prepare and present financial reports and dashboards for IT leadership and stakeholders, highlighting key insights and trends
• Provide ad-hoc financial analysis as requested to support business initiatives.
• Tempo administration and reporting as needed
• Cost Management:
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for IT projects and investments, evaluating the financial implications of proposed initiatives.
• Assist in the management of IT vendor contracts and expenditures to optimize costs.
• Collaboration:
• Work closely with IT teams, finance department, and other stakeholders to gather financial data and ensure accurate reporting.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to support strategic initiatives and projects.
• Process Improvement:
• Identify and implement process improvements related to IT financial management and reporting.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in IT finance.
• Document on a continual basis all aspects of the day-to-day job of the IT Financial Planning & Analysis for contingency purposes in Confluence
• Partner with Zero Based Budgeting team to drive savings

Qualifications (Education & Experience)

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required

• Proven experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting, preferably within an IT or technology environment

• Strong proficiency in financial modeling and analysis tools (e.g., Excel, financial software)
• Familiarity with IT financial management practices and metrics
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with keen attention to detail
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present financial information to diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

Working Conditions

• Required travel – local travel only

Physical Requirements

• While performing this job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, sit, talk hear & use hands and fingers to operate keyboards

Direct Reports

The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.