Lead Financial Analyst I

Position Title- Lead Financial Analyst I:

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly analytical and business-focused Financial Analyst to support financial planning, reporting, forecasting, and business decision-making across our retail operations. This role will partner closely with Finance, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Store Operations, and Corporate Leadership teams to deliver actionable insights that drive profitability, operational efficiency, and strategic growth.

As a Financial Analyst, you will be expected to independently manage complex financial analyses, influence business decisions through data-driven recommendations, and provide leadership to junior analysts within the team.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A):

• Support annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and long-range planning processes.
• Develop financial models to evaluate business initiatives, investments, and operational decisions.
• Analyze revenue, expenses, gross margin, inventory, and profitability trends.
• Provide variance analysis against budget, forecast, and prior-year performance.

Business Partnership:

• Partner with Merchandising, Supply Chain, Store Operations, and Commercial teams to understand business drivers and financial implications.
• Translate business strategies into financial plans and performance metrics.
• Provide recommendations to improve profitability, productivity, and cost efficiency.
• Support leadership decision-making through financial insights and scenario analysis.

Reporting & Analytics:

• Prepare executive-level financial reports, dashboards, and presentations.
• Monitor and report key financial and operational KPIs.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities through advanced data analysis.
• Drive insights from large and complex datasets to support business performance.

Financial Modeling & Decision Support:

• Build and maintain sophisticated financial models.
• Perform sensitivity, scenario, and investment analyses.
• Support business case development for strategic initiatives.
• Evaluate the financial impact of operational and commercial decisions.

Governance & Controls:

• Ensure compliance with financial policies, controls, and reporting standards.
• Support internal and external audits as required.
• Drive process standardization and reporting accuracy.
• Ensure data integrity across financial systems and reports.

Process Improvement & Automation:

• Identify opportunities to automate reporting and improve financial processes.
• Leverage BI and analytics tools to enhance reporting efficiency.
• Partner with data and technology teams to improve financial reporting capabilities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the finance function.
• Ability to work cooperatively in high paced and sometimes stressful environment
• Ability to manage conflict in a reasonable, nonconfrontational and cooperative manner
• Ability to act with honesty and integrity regarding customer and business information
• Ability to follow directions and seek assistance when necessary to resolve customer and business issues
• Provide support and assistance through direct interaction with minors, individuals with special needs, and/or older adults

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Commerce, Business, or related field.
• MBA (Finance), CA, CMA, CPA, or equivalent qualification preferred.

Experience:

• 57 years of experience in Financial Planning & Analysis, Commercial Finance, Corporate Finance, Retail Finance, or related areas.
• Experience supporting retail, consumer goods, e-commerce, or merchandising organizations preferred.
• Experience working in a Global Capability Center (GCC) environment is advantageous.

Required Skills:

Functional Skills:

• Retail Fundamentals
• Data literacy
• Requirements Clarity
• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Financial Modeling
• Business Partnering
• Variance Analysis
• Cost Management
• Retail & Merchandising Finance
• Strategic Decision Support
• Performance Management & KPI Tracking

Preferred Retail Finance Experience

• Merchandising Finance
• Category Finance
• Store Operations Finance
• Supply Chain Finance
• Inventory Finance
• Pricing & Promotions Analysis
• Commercial Finance
• Corporate FP&A

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

We are committed to creating an environment of respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to serve customers and communities effectively. We seek to attract, develop, and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and grow. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This commitment reflects our broader purpose to serve people, support communities, and create an environment where individuals can do their best work.

Talent Value Proposition statement:

At Kroger Capability Center India, your expertise becomes part of something bigger. Work alongside global teams, build capabilities across critical business functions, solve meaningful challenges, and help shape how Kroger operates and grows. As the center takes shape, you have the opportunity to contribute early, learn continuously, and see the connection between your work and the millions of customers Kroger serves.