Open to opportunities

Alex O'Brien

@alexobrien

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Results-driven FP&A Manager with expertise in financial analysis.

Canada

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth opportunities.

I am an accomplished FP&A Manager with over 8 years of experience in financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting for large-scale organizations. My expertise lies in analyzing complex financial data to uncover actionable insights that drive strategic decisions. I have a proven track record of leading cross-functional collaborations, optimizing processes, and training non-finance executives to enhance their financial acumen.

Currently, I manage a $400M IBT and a $1.4B revenue P&L at Canadian Tire Financial Services, where I have improved forecast accuracy significantly. My role involves direct support to the CFO on M&A activities, including due diligence and financial modeling. Additionally, I serve as an Adjunct Professor at Niagara College Canada, where I instruct students in Operations Management and Business Analytics, developing new courses to enhance the curriculum.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis

Current

Canadian Tire Financial Services

Sep 2022 - Present (2 years 10 months)

Managed a $400M IBT and $1.4B revenue P&L with $8B in receivables, overseeing preparation and execution of quarterly, annual, and long-range financial forecasts. Improved IBT forecast accuracy to within 2% of target by creating detailed OPEX tracking and partnering with enterprise leaders to expand financial knowledge. Led and developed a team of 4 analysts, building financial acumen, technical ex

Financial Planning Budgeting Forecasting Financial Modeling M&A Due Diligence Team Leadership Oracle

Current

Adjunct Professor

Current

Niagara College Canada

Jan 2019 - Present (6 years 6 months)

Instructed students in Operations Management, Business Analytics, and Supply Chain management, developing lesson plans and managing diverse classrooms for Diploma, Degree, and Graduate students. Developed multiple new courses for Niagara College’s inaugural Business Analytics program, specifically Introduction to Data Mining for Business Analytics and Computer Applications for Business Analytics.

Operations Management Business Analytics Supply Chain Management Curriculum Development Teaching Excel Data Mining

Senior Financial Analyst

Canadian Tire Financial Services

Oct 2021 - Present (3 years 9 months)

Performed financial modelling and forecast building for new product development, partnering with marketing and credit risk to deliver financial results and cost-benefit analyses. Conducted P&L analysis, identifying gaps, opportunities, and quantifying risks within short- and long-range forecasts. Redesigned and overhauled financial reporting materials, automating monthly and quarterly results pack

Financial Modeling Forecasting Cost Benefit Analysis Financial Reporting Automation

Financial Analyst, Forecasting & Analytics

Canadian Tire Financial Services

Jul 2017 - Present (8 years)

Identified loyalty issuance opportunities, saving over $5M in recurring annual expenses while mitigating spend attrition by reducing loyalty earn. Redeveloped key financial revenue and sales models, adding crucial metrics and significantly improving accuracy and speed in which month-end processes completed.

Financial Analysis Forecasting Sales Modeling Loyalty Programs Process Improvement

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Goodman School of Business, Brock University

Masters of Business Administration, Business Analytics

Activities and societies: Beta Gamma Sigma Honours Society Inductee; Completed SAS Institute Business Analytics Certificate.

Completed a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Business Analytics. Gained expertise in data analysis, statistical modeling, and strategic decision-making using analytical tools.

Goodman School of Business, Brock University

Honours Bachelors of Business Administration, Operations Management

Grade: Academic Award of Excellence in Operations Management (top GPA); First Class Standing

Earned an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Operations Management. Developed strong skills in process optimization, supply chain management, and business strategy.