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If you’ve Googled “Financial Planning Analyst job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing repeated everywhere: bullet points, jargon, and lifeless checklists. Responsibilities. Requirements. Apply here.
But here’s the truth—those generic job posts don’t actually attract the kind of candidates you want. They fail to communicate your company’s mission, culture, and what makes the role exciting. And top talent? They scroll right past.
This article is different. Instead of handing you another generic template, we’ll show you how to write a Financial Planning Analyst job description that connects with real people—and we’ll give you two strong templates you can adapt right away.
If you want a deeper dive into the psychology of what makes a great job post (and why generic ones fail), I recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ . But for now, let’s focus on this role and how you can turn your job description into one of your best recruiting tools.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What a Financial Planning Analyst Actually Does
A Financial Planning Analyst (FPA) helps businesses make smarter financial decisions by turning numbers into insights. They dig into budgets, forecasts, and financial reports to show leaders where money is going, where it should be going, and how to plan for growth.
But this role isn’t just about crunching spreadsheets. A great financial planning analyst is a strategic partner—someone who can interpret data, communicate it clearly, and guide decision-makers with practical recommendations.
In plain terms:
- They build financial models to forecast the future.
- They analyze trends in revenue, costs, and profits.
- They prepare reports for leadership and investors.
- And most importantly, they help businesses stay financially healthy while planning for growth.
That means the best FPAs aren’t only analytical—they’re also curious, detail-oriented, and great at translating complex numbers into plain English that the rest of the company can act on.
Two Great Financial Planning Analyst Job Description Templates
Template 1: Job Description For Experienced Financial Planning Analyst
📌 Job Title: Financial Planning Analyst — Horizon Growth Partners (New York, NY)
💼 Full-Time | Hybrid | $75,000–$95,000/year (based on experience) + Bonus
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9AM–5PM EST
🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager
[Insert Loom/YouTube link] — 60 seconds on what success looks like in this role.
👋 Who We Are
Horizon Growth Partners is a New York–based growth advisory and portfolio-operations firm serving PE-backed and founder-led companies across software, healthcare services, and e-commerce. Founded in 2014, our 45-person team blends FP&A, RevOps, and data engineering to help clients scale from $20M–$250M in revenue. We build driver-based models, streamline board reporting, and stand up planning tools like NetSuite, Adaptive Planning, and Tableau to turn data into decisions.
🌟 Our Culture
We value clarity, ownership, and candor. You’ll work in cross-functional pods, present directly to CFOs and CEOs, and ship analysis that leadership acts on. We default to structured thinking + plain-English storytelling over jargon.
✅ What You’ll Do
- Build/maintain driver-based financial models for forecasting, budgeting, and long-range planning.
- Own monthly reporting (P&L, cash, KPIs), variance analysis, and commentary for executives/boards.
- Run scenario analysis (pricing, hiring plans, unit economics) to guide decisions.
- Partner with GTM/Operations to align financial plans with operational reality.
- Improve data flows between ERP/BI (NetSuite, Adaptive, Tableau) and planning models.
🎯 What We’re Looking For
- 2+ years in FP&A, corporate finance, or consulting.
- Advanced Excel/Sheets; comfort with modeling best practices.
- Experience with ERP/BI tools (NetSuite, Adaptive, Tableau/Power BI).
- Clear communicator who can translate numbers for non-finance leaders.
- BA/BS in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
🌠 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Direct impact: your models and memos inform real exec decisions every month.
- Broad exposure: multiple industries, complex revenue models, and board-level work.
- Career runway: clear path to Senior Analyst → Manager with scope expansion.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary $75k–$95k + annual performance bonus
- 401(k) with 5% match
- Health, dental, vision (company-subsidized)
- 15 days PTO + federal holidays + winter office closure
- Hybrid schedule (3 days on-site, 2 remote)
- Learning stipend ($1,500/yr) + paid certifications
- Home-office/WFH stipend + modern laptop & tools
📥 How to Apply
We hire skills-first with WorkScreen.io. Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen link]. You’ll complete a short evaluation; we review every application and respond within 10 business days.
Template 2: Job Description For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Financial Planning Analyst
📌 Job Title: Junior Financial Planning Analyst — BrightPath Finance (Remote, US)
💼 Full-Time | Remote | $50,000–$65,000/year
🕒 Schedule: Flexible; core hours 10AM–4PM EST
🎥 A quick word from our CEO
[Insert Loom/YouTube link] — why we invest in early-career analysts and how we’ll support your growth.
👋 About Us
BrightPath Finance is a remote-first fractional FP&A partner for seed to Series B startups and mission-driven nonprofits in education, climate, and healthcare access. Since 2019, our 18-person team has helped founders install budgeting discipline, board-ready reporting, and KPI frameworks that unlock funding and sustainable growth.
🌟 Our Culture
We’re curious, humble, and hands-on. We believe in teach-by-doing: you’ll shadow senior analysts, get real projects early, and build confidence through tight feedback loops. Psychological safety and clear documentation are non-negotiable.
✅ What You’ll Do
- Support budgets, 12–24 month forecasts, and cash-flow views.
- Aggregate and clean data from accounting tools (QuickBooks/Xero) and CRM.
- Assist with monthly reporting and variance narratives.
- Build starter models in Sheets/Excel and iterate with mentorship.
- Prepare decks for founders, boards, and grantors.
🎯 What We’re Looking For
- Strong interest in finance/data and business problem-solving.
- Solid Excel/Sheets fundamentals (lookups, pivots, basic modeling).
- Detail-oriented, organized, and eager to learn.
- BA/BS preferred (open to equivalent experience or bootcamps).
🌠 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Launchpad role with a clear path to Financial Planning Analyst.
- Daily mentorship, code reviews (Sheets), and live modeling sessions.
- Real impact early: your work feeds board and funder decisions.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary $50k–$65k
- Health, dental, vision (company contribution)
- Fully remote + monthly WFH stipend and paid internet
- 12 company holidays + 15 PTO days + quarterly wellness days
- $1,000 learning stipend (courses, exams, books)
- New-hire equipment package (laptop, monitor, peripherals)
- Paid parental leave (primary & secondary)
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to spotlight potential—not just résumés. Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen link]. Expect a short, skills-based evaluation; we reply to every applicant within two weeks.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Breakdown: Why These Financial Planning Analyst Job Posts Work
1. Clear, Specific Job Titles
- Instead of “Financial Analyst,” the titles specify “Financial Planning Analyst — Horizon Growth Partners (New York, NY)” or “Junior Financial Planning Analyst — BrightPath Finance (Remote, US).”
- This clarity signals role seniority, company, and location upfront—helping the right candidates self-select.
2. Personal Video Message
- Both posts include a short Loom/YouTube video from a hiring manager or CEO.
- Video humanizes the process, sets expectations, and builds trust—something generic job posts almost never do.
3. Warm, Contextual Introductions
- Instead of a cold “About the Company,” the openings tell a short story: Horizon focuses on mid-market growth companies, BrightPath partners with startups and nonprofits.
- This context helps candidates understand not just what the company does, but who they’ll serve and why it matters.
4. Culture is Demonstrated, Not Claimed
- Horizon highlights clarity, ownership, candor—with proof (presenting to CFOs, structured thinking, plain-English reporting).
- BrightPath emphasizes teach-by-doing, mentorship, and psychological safety, showing junior hires how they’ll grow.
- Instead of vague buzzwords (“we value teamwork”), the culture is woven into how work gets done.
5. Responsibilities Show Impact
- Horizon: not just “do variance analysis,” but “inform real exec and board decisions.”
- BrightPath: not just “prepare reports,” but “your work feeds board and funder decisions.”
- Tasks are framed in terms of business outcomes—helping candidates see why the role matters.
6. Transparent Requirements & Flexibility
- Horizon: requires 2+ years, ERP/BI exposure, degree.
- BrightPath: “BA/BS preferred, but open to equivalent experience”—welcoming career changers or bootcamp grads.
- Both clarify “must-haves” vs. “nice-to-haves,” widening the talent pool without lowering standards.
7. Separate “Why This Role Fits” vs. “Perks & Benefits”
- Each post explains why the job itself is rewarding (impact, mentorship, career path).
- Then separately lists perks/benefits (salary, PTO, stipends, insurance).
- This prevents perks from being the only selling point—it’s about mission and compensation.
8. Respectful Hiring Process
- Both posts state: every application is reviewed and responded to (10 business days at Horizon, 2 weeks at BrightPath).
- This small detail signals respect and professionalism, which top candidates value.
9. WorkScreen Integration
- Using skills-based screening communicates fairness, meritocracy, and modern hiring practices.
- It also filters out low-effort “one-click apply” candidates—something many job seekers (and employers) are frustrated with.
Bad Financial Planning Analyst Job Description Example (And Why It Fails)
📌 Job Title: Financial Analyst
💼 Full-Time | Location: Chicago, IL
🕒 Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9AM–5PM
Job Summary
We are seeking a Financial Analyst to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will analyze financial data, prepare reports, and support the finance department with day-to-day activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare budgets and forecasts.
- Perform variance analysis.
- Assist in preparing monthly and quarterly reports.
- Support senior management with ad hoc analysis.
- Ensure accuracy of financial data.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
- 3–5 years of experience in financial analysis.
- Strong Excel skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits package.
How to Apply
Please send your résumé and cover letter to hr@company.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🔎 Why This Job Post Fails
- Generic Title
- “Financial Analyst” is too broad. It doesn’t specify planning vs. accounting vs. investment analysis, nor does it give context on industry, company, or mission.
- “Financial Analyst” is too broad. It doesn’t specify planning vs. accounting vs. investment analysis, nor does it give context on industry, company, or mission.
- Cold, Empty Introduction
- The “Job Summary” is vague and uninspiring. Nothing tells candidates why this company exists or why the role matters.
- The “Job Summary” is vague and uninspiring. Nothing tells candidates why this company exists or why the role matters.
- Responsibilities Lack Impact
- Bullet points are generic and could apply to any finance job. No mention of how the analyst’s work drives business decisions.
- Bullet points are generic and could apply to any finance job. No mention of how the analyst’s work drives business decisions.
- No Culture or Mission
- There’s no mention of the company’s values, team structure, or what it’s like to work there. It feels like you’re applying to a faceless corporation.
- There’s no mention of the company’s values, team structure, or what it’s like to work there. It feels like you’re applying to a faceless corporation.
- Requirements Are Narrow and Rigid
- “3–5 years of experience” with no flexibility shuts out capable early-career candidates who could grow into the role.
- “3–5 years of experience” with no flexibility shuts out capable early-career candidates who could grow into the role.
- Zero Transparency on Pay & Perks
- “Competitive salary and benefits package” is meaningless. Today’s candidates expect real numbers and clear benefits.
- “Competitive salary and benefits package” is meaningless. Today’s candidates expect real numbers and clear benefits.
- Dismissive Hiring Process
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is cold and outdated. It signals to applicants they’ll likely be ignored.
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is cold and outdated. It signals to applicants they’ll likely be ignored.
- No Personality in the CTA
- The application instructions are dry and transactional—there’s no warmth, no enthusiasm, no sense that candidates are valued.
- The application instructions are dry and transactional—there’s no warmth, no enthusiasm, no sense that candidates are valued.
Bonus Tips: How to Make Your Financial Planning Analyst Job Post Stand Out
Most companies stop at responsibilities and requirements. But top Financial Planning Analysts are selective—if your job post looks like every other one online, they’ll pass. Here are a few ways to elevate your post and attract better candidates:
1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
⚠️ Many finance professionals are cautious about scams. Add a short line in your job post:
“We take applicant privacy seriously and will never request payment, bank details, or personal financial information during the hiring process.”
This builds instant trust with candidates who are used to being cautious.
2. Show Your Leave Days and Flexibility
Finance roles are often associated with long hours and burnout. Stand out by highlighting balance:
“Enjoy 15 PTO days, 10 company holidays, and quarterly flex days to recharge.”
That small detail can make your role far more attractive.
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Financial Planning Analysts often want to grow into FP&A Manager, Finance Business Partner, or Director roles. Show them the path:
“We invest in growth with $1,500 per year in learning stipends and a clear promotion track from Analyst → Senior Analyst → Manager.”
Career-driven candidates notice this.
4. Include a Video Message
Numbers are cold—but people aren’t. Add a 60-second Loom video from the CFO, hiring manager, or CEO explaining:
- Why this role matters
- What kind of teammate they’re looking for
- What success looks like in 6 months
It’s a small touch that makes your post more personal, memorable, and human.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Emphasize Impact Beyond the Spreadsheet
Top analysts don’t just want to crunch numbers—they want to influence business decisions. Frame responsibilities in terms of impact:
“Your reporting will directly inform board decisions and guide our expansion into new markets.”
That makes the work feel meaningful.
6. Be Transparent With Pay
Never just write “competitive salary.” FP&A professionals are highly analytical—they’ll know it’s a dodge. Sharing a range shows honesty and respect.
7. Call Out Modern Tools & Tech
The best FPAs don’t just want to live in Excel. Mention tools like Adaptive Planning, NetSuite, Tableau, Power BI—this signals a modern environment, not outdated systems.
Should You Use AI to Write a Financial Planning Analyst Job Post?
AI tools can be helpful when you’re staring at a blank page. But if you rely on them blindly, you’ll end up with the same problem we’ve seen across hundreds of job boards: generic, lifeless job posts that don’t attract serious talent.
Here’s why:
- AI defaults to generic finance language. You’ll get vague responsibilities like “prepare budgets” or “support senior management,” which could describe any finance job.
- It misses context. AI won’t know your company’s size, industry, growth stage, or tech stack—unless you feed it those details.
- It reflects poorly on your brand. Top analysts can spot boilerplate text instantly. If your post looks copy-pasted, they’ll assume your hiring process will feel the same way.
❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI
“Write me a Financial Analyst job description.”
You’ll get something bland, rigid, and outdated. It won’t mention your culture, your mission, or why this role actually matters.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
Come prepared with your raw ingredients:
- What your company does (industry, size, mission)
- Who the analyst will support (CFO, FP&A team, cross-functional leaders)
- Tools you use (Excel, Adaptive Planning, Tableau, NetSuite)
- Your culture and values
- The career path you offer
- Perks and benefits
Then prompt AI like this:
“Help me write a Financial Planning Analyst job post. We’re [Company Name], a [describe company + industry]. We’re hiring a [Job Title] to help with [key responsibilities]. Our culture is [describe], and we want to attract candidates who are [traits]. We use [tools] and offer [benefits]. Here are some notes I’ve drafted: [paste notes]. Please organize this into a compelling, culture-first job description.”
This way, AI acts like your editor and organizer, not your ghostwriter. You keep the authenticity, and AI helps polish the tone and structure.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Copy-Paste Job Description Templates for Quick Use
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description (Culture-First Style)
Job Title: Financial Planning Analyst – Shape Strategy with Insight at [Company Name]
💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State])
🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
💰 Salary Range: [$X,000 – $Y,000]/year
🎥 A quick word from our [Hiring Manager/CEO]
[Insert Loom/YouTube link] — 60 seconds on why this role matters and what success looks like.
👋 Who We Are
At [Company Name], we help [your customer type/industry] make smarter decisions with clear, timely financial insight. We’re a [size/stage] team focused on turning data into action so leaders can plan with confidence.
🌟 What You’ll Do
- Build and maintain budget/forecast models and long-range plans
- Analyze trends in revenue, costs, margins, and cash flow
- Create clear reports/dashboards for leadership and stakeholders
- Run scenario analysis to guide strategic decisions
- Partner with [Operations/Sales/Product] to align plans with reality
🎯 What We’re Looking For
- Strong analytical skills; advanced Excel/Google Sheets
- Great communicator—can translate numbers into plain English
- Experience with [NetSuite/QuickBooks], [Adaptive/Anaplan], [Tableau/Power BI] (nice to have)
- BA/BS in Finance, Accounting, Economics (or equivalent experience)
🌠 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Your work informs real executive decisions—not just monthly reporting
- Broad exposure across teams and projects, plus room to grow your scope
- Clear path to Senior Analyst → Manager as you drive impact
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Base salary [$X,000 – $Y,000] + [bonus/commission structure]
- [Health/Dental/Vision] with [company contribution %]
- 401(k) match up to [Z%]
- [15–20] days PTO + [company holidays]
- Annual learning stipend [$1,000–$2,000] + paid certifications
- Remote/hybrid flexibility + WFH stipend/equipment
📥 How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen.io: [Insert WorkScreen link]. We review every application and reply within [10 business days].
📑 Option 2: Structured Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements
Job Title: Financial Planning Analyst – Build Models, Drive Decisions at [Company Name]
💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State])
🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
💰 Salary Range: [$X,000 – $Y,000]/year
Job Brief
[Company Name] is hiring a Financial Planning Analyst to support budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and decision support. You’ll turn data into clear insights leaders can act on.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop budgets/forecasts and long-range financial models
- Perform variance analysis and deliver actionable commentary
- Prepare monthly/quarterly reports and KPI dashboards
- Partner with [Operations/Sales/Product] to align plans with business goals
Requirements
- [2–4]+ years in FP&A/corporate finance (or equivalent)
- Advanced Excel/Sheets; solid financial modeling fundamentals
- Familiarity with [ERP/BI tools: NetSuite, Adaptive/Anaplan, Tableau/Power BI]
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- BA/BS in Finance, Accounting, Economics (or equivalent experience)
Perks & Benefits
- Base salary [$X,000 – $Y,000] + [bonus eligibility]
- [Health/Dental/Vision] insurance with [company contribution %]
- 401(k) match up to [Z%]
- [PTO days] + [company holidays]
- Professional development budget [$ amount]
- Remote/hybrid work + WFH stipend/equipment
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen.io: [Insert WorkScreen link]. All applicants receive a response within [two weeks].
Next Step: Let WorkScreen Handle Candidate Evaluation
Writing a great job description is only half the battle. Once applications start rolling in, you need a way to quickly identify who’s truly qualified—without wasting hours on resumes or getting buried in “easy apply” spam.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
With WorkScreen, you can:
- Spot top talent instantly.
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
- Test real-world skills in one click.
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
- Eliminate low-effort applicants.
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
- Save hours in screening.
No more manual resume reviews. No more wasted interviews. Just a streamlined process that helps you hire right—the first time.
After you’ve published your Financial Planning Analyst job post, let WorkScreen.io handle the heavy lifting of evaluation. You’ll make smarter, faster, and more confident hiring decisions—while focusing on growing your team.
FAQ
A great Financial Planning Analyst blends technical, analytical, and communication skills. Core skills include:
- Financial modeling and forecasting (Excel/Sheets proficiency is a must).
- Data analysis to interpret trends and variances.
- Business acumen to connect financial insights to strategy.
- Communication skills to present complex findings in plain English.
- Familiarity with ERP/BI tools like NetSuite, Adaptive Planning, Tableau, or Power BI.
- Problem-solving and scenario planning under uncertainty.
In short: you want someone who can not only crunch numbers but also influence decisions with clarity.
Salaries vary by location, company size, and seniority, but here’s a general range:
- Entry-level / Junior Analyst: $55,000–$70,000 per year
- Mid-level Analyst (2–4 years): $70,000–$90,000 per year
- Senior Analyst (5+ years): $90,000–$110,000+ per year
FP&A roles often come with performance bonuses as well, since analysts directly contribute to growth and decision-making.
- A Financial Analyst typically looks backward—reviewing historical data, preparing reports, and analyzing past performance.
- A Financial Planning Analyst (FP&A) looks forward—building models, forecasts, and budgets to guide future strategy.
Both roles use data, but FP&A is more strategic and forward-looking, making it critical for leadership decisions.
