Analyst, Finance Platform Strategies

Job Description

About this role

The mission of the Finance Platform Strategies (FPS) team is to ensure optimized operating models within Finance, consistent across our global functional teams as appropriate. To promote this objective, we connect key Finance resources with relevant functional specialists from across BlackRock, identify and document business requirements and manage the implementation and subsequent maintenance of platforms and processes designed to address those requirements. FPS team members serve as internal change management consultants who apply knowledge of BlackRock’s resources - people, processes, and technology - to ensure concepts become reality in support of both new business initiatives and ongoing business process enhancement.

Team Overview

The FPS team has a global footprint. Team members are responsible for managing projects that drive Finance objectives forward through initiatives that can have either regional or global focus. Responsibilities include coordinating project team activity, supporting effective and timely communication among project team members and subject matter experts from across the firm, drafting clear and comprehensive business requirements and project management documentation, designing sound processes and workflow models, partnering with internal or third party resources to drive design specification sign-off, oversee technical development progress and coordinate quality unit testing, providing ongoing project updates to all relevant stakeholders, facilitating user training services and, ensuring timely delivery of effective, well designed solutions.

In addition to project oversight, the team works to manage, on an ongoing basis, the platforms supporting Finance’s day-to-day operating model to ensure our technologies remain optimized and our operational processes are sustainable, efficient and support a robust control environment. The team provides level one support for Finance operational platforms and as required, will assess/trouble-shoot and identify actionable opportunities to address complex issues related to the suite of technology solutions Finance employs including Oracle R12 e-Business Suite Financials (R12), Hyperion Financial Management (HFM), IBM Cognos Planning Analytics, IBM Cognos Analytics and our proprietary BlackRock Aladdin platform.

Role Responsibility:

Responsible for the implementation of planning, budgeting, forecasting, and allocation-based solutions, as well as analytical and reporting applications. This role requires understanding business needs, the data behind it, and how to transform this information into solutions for decision making and streamlined processes.

• Key resource in supporting the buildout, testing, code migration and maintenance of the Cognos (IBM Planning Analytics / Cognos Analytics) Financial Management Platform at BlackRock
  • Provide day to day user support for our IBM Planning Analytics (f.k.a. TM1) application.
  • Drive IBM Planning Analytics development initiatives forward in collaboration with various stakeholders across Finance. Manage projects from end-to-end using SDLC approach.
  • Perform testing of system functionality as new versions are released, prior to engaging end users in acceptance testing.
  • Create/update training guides and training videos, and conduct live user training sessions
• Manage month-end and quarter-end data processing to support actuals and forecast/budget close process across Financial platform(s), Oracle, Hierarchy Manager, Planning Analytics, Cognos Analytics
• Supporting a variety of functions within Global BlackRock Finance department to understand business uses cases for Planning Analytics development, or other automation/solutioning
• Provide regular project communication, status reports and escalations in a concise and direct manner so that key stakeholders are aware and informed
• Understand principles of sound corporate operating procedures and business processes
• Proactively look for opportunities to optimize the current business processes within Finance globally

Skills Requirements:

• Strong technical skills with a high proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (advanced/expert skills in Excel and PowerPoint)
• Exposure to programming languages (such as Visual Basic, Python, C++, or Java) and an understanding of relational database concepts (including SQL) and OLAP technology are beneficial
• Cognos TM1 / Planning Analytics development skills preferred
• Developer/power user experience with one or more of the following reporting/analytical tools preferred: Cognos Analytics, Power BI, Tableau, Oracle Analytics
• Background in Finance, IT, or similar fields are preferred. Knowledge of financial instruments and markets is beneficial.
• Experience with automation tools (Blue Prism, Flexicapture, Abby, Unqorked, etc.) a plus.

Personal Qualities:

• Strategic, creative thinker; solutions and service oriented
• Self-starter able to drive positive progress proactively with limited manager direction
• Focused attention to detail; high standards for quality and accuracy in work product
• Strong work ethic and accountability owner
• Professional, positive, collegial demeanor; collaborative relationship builder
• Comfortable interacting with all levels of management and able to thrive in a fast paced, innovative environment

Our benefits
To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit careers.blackrock.com | www.blackrock.com/corporate | Instagram: @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.