Fp&A Lead - Global R&D

About UPL:

UPL is focused on emerging as a premier global provider of total crop solutions designed to secure the world’s long-term food supply. Winning farmers hearts across the globe, while leading the way with innovative products and services that make agriculture sustainable, UPL is the fastest growing company in the industry. Our successes in the field add up to powerful financials. UPL delivers results from protecting crops that translate into attractive investor value. Based on the recognition that humankind is one community, UPL’s overarching commitment is to improve areas of its presence, workplace and customer engagement.

Our purpose is ‘OpenAg’. An agriculture network that feeds sustainable growth for all. No limits, no borders.

We are one team, for maximum impact. One team with shared goals. We have a laser-like focus on what our customers need and want, on anticipating their future needs and how we can create innovative solutions and experiences for them. We think outside the box and go beyond our comfort zone. We believe in agility, we mix the power of speed, with structure from process. And wherever we can, we always believe in having fun.

Job Summary:

As an FP&A Analyst specializing in the Research & Development (R&D) function supporting and partnering with the R&D teams to drive financial insights, budget management, and strategic decision-making. As function partner, to ensure that R&D projects are executed efficiently and in alignment with the company's overall financial goals 

Job Responsibilities:

1. Financial Planning: Collaborate with R&D leaders to develop annual and long-term financial plans, including budgets and forecasts for research initiatives, technology development, and innovation projects.

2. Performance Analysis: Monitor and analyze R&D spending against budget, identify variances, and provide actionable insights to optimize resource allocation and project prioritization.

3. Cost Management: Work closely with R&D teams to control costs, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure projects are executed within budget and time constraints.

4. Financial Modelling: Create financial models to evaluate the financial impact of R&D projects, including ROI analysis and scenario planning.

5. Forecasting: Continuously update and refine financial forecasts based on evolving R&D project timelines, changes in market conditions, and other relevant factors.

6. Reporting: Prepare and deliver regular financial reports and dashboards to Finance and R&D leadership, highlighting key performance metrics, trends, and areas of concern.

7. Strategic Support: Partner with R&D leaders to align financial strategies with the company's overall strategic objectives, providing guidance on investment decisions and resource allocation.

8. Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with other FP&A team members in any specific assignment and to ensure alignment and consistency in financial planning and reporting across the organization.

9. Ad Hoc Analysis: Conduct ad hoc financial analysis as requested by Head of FP&A, senior management, or external stakeholders to support decision-making.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Overall, 7 - 12 Years of strong experience in financial and analysis environment
• Prior experience of R&D finance operations in Manufacturing industry is desirable.  
• Higher degree, bachelor’s degree in finance / Charted Accountant - preferred
• Strong verbal and written communication, Experience in SAP FICO/PS/MM , proficiency  in excel, Ability to multi-task, Exposure of Project Management or PMP certified preferred,
• Ability to work with cross functional teams / be a part of them, across different countries woud be desirable

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability & Resilience: Recognizes and is open to changing circumstances and alters behavior and scales up as necessary; increases personal awareness and appreciation of individual and cultural differences to create an open, inclusive, and accepting workplace.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Has a creative mindset and ability to think holistically, takes calculated risks and maximizes opportunities.
• Results Orientations: Takes action, pursues goals with persistence and achieves results; communicates goals and vision to the team to drive enthusiasm and ambition.
• Execution Excellence: Enhances the speed of execution and builds efficiency in processes, systems and people; has sharp focus on quality-orientation.
• Strategic Orientation: Demonstrates knowledge of the social, economic, and environmental factors and how they impact the business. Identifies key issues that could impact the business and develops strategy through an analytical lens / design thinking.
• Building Teams and Talent: Empowers colleagues through knowledge sharing and delegation, quickly establishing rapport; provides recognition for achievements and accomplishments.
• Customer Centricity: Understands the customer needs and pain points, fulfills the needs and expectations by focusing on creating value for customers.