Sr Manager- R&I Finance

Title: Sr Manager- R&I Finance

Division: Research & Innovation

Location: Clark, NJ

Reports To: AVP- R&I Finance

Who We Are:

For more than a century, L'Oreal has devoted its energy, innovation, and scientific excellence solely to one business: Beauty. Our goal is to offer each and every person around the world the best of beautyin terms of quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity and responsibility to satisfy all beauty needs and desires in their infinite diversity.

At L'Oreal, our Finance teams turn data into insights and risk analysis into solutions while ensuring the Group's financial performance is top notch. We have a diverse range of expertise at L'Oreal Finance, including Financial Planning & Controlling, Internal Audit, Mergers and Acquisitions, Treasury, Tax and Consolidation. We bring numbers to life! Come join our dynamic team!

What You Will Do:

The Senior Manager of Finance for Research & Innovation (R&I), specializing in the Hair Metier and with a key role in Open Innovation across all metiers, plays a crucial role in supporting L'Oreal's R&I transformation. This role provides financial leadership, drives value creation within the dynamic haircare category, and champions the financial success of open innovation initiatives across all of L'Oreal's metiers. This involves managing the financial health of the R&I P&L and balance sheet, ensuring accurate reporting. The Senior Manager of Finance will be partnering with stakeholders to make strategic, data-driven decisions that maximize ROI and contribute to L'Oreal's overall innovation strategy. This position requires a highly motivated individual with a strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and a passion for beauty and innovation.

• Financial Close & Reporting: Oversee the monthly financial close process for the R&I department, including preparing journal entries, performing insightful variance analysis, leading close meetings with stakeholders, and developing comprehensive monthly reporting packages. These reports will not just reflect historical performance, but also offer projections and insights to guide future investment decisions.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Collaborate with local and global metiers to develop accurate and robust budgets and forecasts that align with the R&I transformation roadmap. This includes facilitating bottom-up budget submissions, communicating key deadlines to the R&I community, and ensuring alignment between financial plans and strategic priorities. Focus on driving accurate resource allocation to maximize the impact of R&I investments.
• Value Creation Focus: Actively participate in the R&I transformation by identifying and analyzing opportunities for value creation. This includes evaluating project ROI, optimizing resource allocation, and developing financial models to support strategic decision-making related to new product development and innovation initiatives. Contribute to a culture of financial accountability within the R&I department, focusing on maximizing the return on investment for every research dollar spent.
• Risk & Opportunity Management: Partner with local and global metiers and controllers to proactively identify and assess financial risks and opportunities. Develop mitigation strategies for potential risks and build business cases to capitalize on promising opportunities. This includes collaborating with cross-functional teams to evaluate the financial implications of different R&I strategies and recommend the most value-creating path forward.
• Goods Receipt/Invoice Receipt (GRIR) Management: Maintain a clean and accurate GRIR balance by diligently analyzing and resolving discrepancies. Proactively manage outstanding purchase orders and work with vendors to resolve any issues promptly. This contributes to accurate financial reporting and efficient resource management.
• Team Development: Provide mentorship and training to the department's management trainees and interns, fostering their professional development and preparing them for future leadership roles within L'Oreal.
• Strategic Project Leadership: Lead and participate in ad-hoc financial strategic projects designed to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and value creation potential of the R&I department. Examples include implementing new financial systems, developing innovative financial models, and leading process improvement initiatives.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across the organization, including R&I leadership, global finance teams, and business partners. Effectively communicate financial information and insights to non-financial audiences to ensure transparency and facilitate informed decision-making.

What We Are Looking For:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting.
• 5+ years of experience in finance or accounting.
• Proven track record of success in a financial management role, preferably within the consumer goods or beauty industry.
• Deep understanding of financial reporting principles and practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data and draw actionable insights.
• Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with all levels of management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (advanced skills required), SAP, and PowerBI.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• A passion for beauty, innovation, and driving value creation within a research and development setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

What's In It For You:

• Competitive Benefit Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension Plan)
• Hybrid Work Policy (3 Days in Office, 2 Days Work from Home)
• Flexible Time Off (Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Vacation Buy Program, Volunteer Time, Summer Fridays & More!)
• Access to Company Perks (VIP Access to L'Oreal's Internal Shop for Discounted Products, Monthly Mobile Allowance)
• Learning & Development Opportunities (Unlimited Access to E-learnings, Lunch & Learn Sessions, Mentorship Programs, & More!)
• Employee Resource Groups (Think Tanks and Innovation Squads)
• Access to Mental Health & Wellness Programs

Don't meet every single requirement? At L'Oreal, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace. If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with the qualifications listed in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse environment. We would love to find out more about you as a candidate and do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or disability, or any other legally protected status.

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