Financial Analyst, Sr.

About The Company

Cengage is a leading global education technology company dedicated to supporting learners, educators, and institutions across more than 100 countries. With a rich history spanning over a century, Cengage provides affordable, high-quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies necessary to succeed in their careers and personal lives. Our innovative platforms, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, enable millions of digital users worldwide to access engaging content and personalized learning experiences. We serve diverse markets such as higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching, and research, fostering a scalable ecosystem that connects education directly to employment opportunities. At Cengage, we believe in the power and joy of learning and are committed to driving innovation that transforms lives through education.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Financial Analyst to join our Finance team. This pivotal role involves providing comprehensive financial and operational support specifically for the Cengage Work and English Language Teaching (ELT) teams. The successful candidate will have significant exposure to business leaders and will play a crucial role in influencing strategic decisions through insightful analysis. Responsibilities include managing forecasting processes, conducting variance analysis, updating key financial metrics, and supporting strategic initiatives aimed at maximizing value creation. The ideal candidate will be intellectually curious, detail-oriented, and eager to grow into broader finance leadership roles over time. They should be adept at working with large datasets, leveraging technology and AI to enhance workflows, and communicating complex financial information effectively across all levels of management.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or Graduate degree in Accounting, Finance, or Quantitative disciplines
• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in FP&A, finance, accounting, or related analytical roles
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
• Proficiency in advanced Excel functions and data modeling
• Experience or strong interest in data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau
• Familiarity with financial systems like SAP, Hyperion, or similar platforms
• Solid understanding of GAAP accounting principles and financial statements
• Exceptional attention to detail and multitasking ability in fast-paced environments
• Excellent communication skills for presenting complex data clearly to non-finance stakeholders
• Proactive mindset with a growth-oriented approach and a willingness to learn new technologies and processes

Responsibilities

• Manage core FP&A processes including monthly reporting, quarterly forecasting, and annual planning with a focus on accuracy and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with product and business unit leaders to analyze product performance, profitability, and customer adoption trends
• Translate financial and operational data into clear insights and actionable recommendations for senior leadership
• Develop a deep understanding of business drivers, proactively identifying risks and opportunities
• Conduct detailed variance analysis, identifying root causes and communicating key performance drivers
• Support strategic decision-making through ad hoc analysis, scenario modeling, and business case development
• Enhance and automate reporting processes utilizing modern tools such as BI platforms, data models, and AI-assisted workflows
• Act as a liaison between Business Units, FP&A, and Accounting to ensure alignment and consistency
• Assist in preparing internal and external financial reports and presentations
• Support product setup, financial tracking, and analysis of new initiatives
• Investigate data discrepancies, coordinate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues, and ensure data integrity

Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with industry standards
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Retirement savings plans with company contributions
• Flexible work arrangements and paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
• Inclusive and collaborative work environment fostering growth and innovation

Equal Opportunity

Cengage is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We also support reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and employment. Our goal is to attract, develop, and retain a talented workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve.