Senior Planning Analyst (4527)

The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., is a global multi-brand media and marketing company that educates, entertains and connects audiences around the world. With 60 offices in 44 countries, it markets books, magazines, and educational, music and video products that reach a customer base of 130 million in 78 countries. It publishes 94 magazines, including 50 editions of Reader's Digest, the world's largest-circulation magazine, operates 65 branded websites generating 22 million unique visitors per month, and sells approximately 40 million books, music and video products across the world each year. Its global headquarters are in Pleasantville, N.Y.

This analyst role 'lives in the P&L world,' partnering closely with Finance. Our planning team manages models used to forecast our magazine circulation and profitability out 10 years. Successful candidate has 3+ years in a publishing or finance analytical role, and is a big picture person who not only executes the modeling process but can understand and challenge the related assumptions.

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for assisting Circulation Planning Managers and VP Planning, Consumer Marketing in preparation and updating of long-range circulation plans, budgets and budget re-forecasts including monthly, quarterly and ad hoc reporting for assigned magazines. Responsibilities include coordinating with Finance and Accounting during monthly close and monthly re-forecast process. Also responsible for performing source evaluation for all programs as needed based on tests results and assisting management in the analysis and evaluation of all sources of business on an on-going basis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in preparation of long-range plans, budgets and forecasts. Monitor revenue, expenses and cash flow and maintain Consumer Marketing P&L budget.
• Coordinate Consumer Marketing accrual postings during monthly close.
• Responsible for maintaining Consumer Marketing P&L statements and cross-department P&L statements and preparing variance analysis.
• Assist with Rapid Report and Circulation Audit filings with ABC.
• Monitor subscription production versus forecasts and budget
• Maintain/improve accuracy of circulation forecasting models by updating current results and trends, and by refining or developing new modeling techniques.
• Provide quarterly and ad hoc “state of the business” reports to management.
• Perform source evaluation and rollout recommendations for all programs as needed/requested by program managers and Circulation Managers.
• Lead assigned department-related process improvement projects.
• Perform “what-if” modeling projections as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

• Computer and technology skills; in particular Microsoft Excel spreadsheet experience. The ability to create and refine formulas.
• Familiarity with Oracle and Hyperion Essbase a plus
• Strong organizational skills required including a demonstrated ability to plan and organize work to achieve results.
• Ability to work well under pressure, handle multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Good interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate and interact with people at all levels.

Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Marketing or related field.
• 3 or more years experience in publishing or finance preferred; excellent analytical skills; experience and knowledge in budget preparation, forecasting and re-forecasts.

Please apply online at:

http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjob&jobid=209128&company_id=15964&jobboardid=595

Reader's Digest offers excellent benefits and professional growth opportunities. Since each of our individual businesses has its own unique set of policies, features and benefits, we encourage you to visit the company website for the position of interest.

Reader's Digest is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.