Sr. Finance Manager (255288 - External)

As the world’s leading Software Company, Microsoft has pioneered many of the technology innovations that paved the way for the digital information revolution. With products ranging from the Windows operating systems to the Office productivity suite, the Visual Studio suite of developers tools, and the Xbox 360 video game platform, and a broad range of new offerings in high-growth areas including Web-based services, unified communications, search, advertising and much more, Microsoft continues to be the worldwide leader in helping people and businesses realize their full potential.



Group:

The Windows Business Group (WBG) is a $14B per year business that impacts million of businesses and consumers worldwide. If you are a strategic thinker interested in learning what it takes to drive customer perceptions, launch new products and grow Microsoft’s largest business, then come and join our team because this job is a great opportunity for you!

Job Description:
Summary of the team:
o The Client Strategic Analytics Team partners with the Windows product management and marketing organizations to identify and evaluate opportunities and risks through analysis and insight to drive the optimal business decisions within the Windows Business Group.
Summary of position:
o This position will be focused on the OEM Channel of the Windows business, evaluating pricing and licensing programs, assessing the business performance, developing business plans and the Windows Long Range Plan and assessing other initiatives. The role will provide decision support; have ownership for forward looking market projections, ongoing business and customer information analysis, ad hoc reporting and business performance measurement; build strong relationships with business partners; and interact with senior management.

Responsibilities:
o Develop comprehensive models and economic analysis to support and justify pricing and licensing changes and investments in strategic initiatives.
o Participate in the development of the Windows long range business plans including determining the underlying assumptions with input from the product management and marketing organizations and presenting the plan to the Windows leadership team.
o Identify marketplace trends and disruptors that have the most impact on the Windows business and make recommendations to the business on implications and actions required.
o Provide critical decision support analysis for the product management and product marketing organizations and senior management including evaluating financial alternatives, assessing risks and recommending appropriate action. Examples include pricing changes, marketing programs, customer offers and OEM program changes.
o Partnering with product management and marketing business owners to develop robust and accurate business models.
o Lead research initiatives on the marketplace, the customer segments, the competitive environment and the software industry and make recommendations to the business on implications and actions required.

Experience Required:
o 6-8 years of work experience in a similar analytical or strategy role, preferably in the technology industry.
o Demonstrated experience in developing complex financial models, forecasting, reporting and variance analysis.
o Solid strategic and tactical business skills and very adept at using data to drive better decision making.
o Strong qualitative and quantitative financial skills. Must be comfortable working with ambiguity and able to make decisions on the best way to leverage open-ended data.
o A demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all levels within an organization and proven ability to establish trust quickly and create win-win situations.
o Strong organizational skills with the ability to work on and manage multiple projects within tight timelines.

Education:
o Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Accounting. Advanced business degree and/or CFA certification preferred.


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