Business Analyst | Retail | IKEA RSO Jebel Ali

Job Requisition ID: 174385 

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United A”rab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organisation to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. 

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.

Overview Of The Role:
The Business Analyst will play a pivotal role in strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting for the finance division within the retail sector. The role includes comprehensive management reporting and business partnering to drive performance and efficiencies throughout the region. Leveraging skills in financial analysis, the analyst will support business development, manage fixed assets and inventory, and ensure diligent oversight of investments and feasibility projects. Successfully navigating these responsibilities demands a blend of strong analytical skills, strategic mindset, and ability to collaborate across various stakeholders.

What You Will Do:

Business / Financial Planning

• Support and manage business and financial planning, including strategic planning, budgeting, and quarterly forecasting in coordination with Group/Retail Finance and business stakeholders.
• Ensure business/finance planning processes adhere to guidelines, timelines, formats/templates, central inputs, analysis, consolidation, reviews, presentation, Anaplan upload, SAP & BPC validation.
• Manage fortnightly cash forecasting in coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Management Reporting & Financial Analysis

• Prepare, analyze, and circulate daily, weekly, and monthly management information reports.
• Develop new reports and continuously improve existing reports.
• Support testing and automation of management information/business intelligence reports.
• Perform variance analysis and initiate corrective actions.
• Provide adhoc financial information, analysis, and support for business functions and stores.
• Prepare business or management review presentations.

Business Partnering

• Participate, support, or lead initiatives/projects to drive business performance and efficiencies.
• Proactively communicate key variances, risks, and opportunities to relevant stakeholders for corrective actions.
• Collaborate with and support business navigation community for performance improvements.

Fixed Assets Management

• Plan, coordinate, and procure approval for capital expenditures.
• Manage asset creation, capitalization, transfer, verification, and disposal of fixed assets.
• Prepare and circulate Capex Tracker/Fixed Assets Register.
• Provide samples, analysis, schedules, and information for internal and external audits.

Inventory Management

• Manage inventory posting, reconciliations, and alignment across systems.
• Conduct regular inventory analysis to support liquidation.
• Provide samples, analysis, schedules, and information for internal and external audits.

Business Development and Feasibility Studies

• Participate in market potential development projects and prepare feasibility reports, investment committee presentations, and procure approvals for new projects/investments.
• Support business development initiatives/projects such as gift cards, BNPL, etc.
• Prepare post-completion reviews or evaluations.
• Plan and maintain tracker for pre-operative expenses.

Required Skills To Be Successful:

• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and ERP systems such as SAP and Navision.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate both written and verbally.
• Expertise in financial modeling and problem-solving.

What Qualifies You For The Role:

• MBA, ACA, or CFA with three years of experience in relevant financial roles, preferably in retail.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and accounting software, such as ERP systems like SAP and Navision.
• Familiarity with the IKEA concept and working methods is desirable.
• Excellent planning, organizing, analytical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.

We’re here to provide excellent service but a little help from you can ensure a five-star candidate experience from start to finish.

Before you click “apply”: Please read the job description carefully to ensure you can confidently demonstrate why this opportunity is right for you and take the time to put together a well-crafted and personalised CV to further boost your visibility. Our global Talent Acquisition team members are all assigned to specific businesses to ensure that we make the best matches between talent and opportunities. We not only consider the requisite compatibility of skills and behaviours, but also how candidates align with our Values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

As part of our candidate experience promise, we also want to make ourselves available to you throughout the application process. We make every effort to review and respond to every application.