Senior Lead Finance Analyst

Lumen is the trusted network for the AI‑powered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, high‑performance connectivity across cloud, edge, and AI workloads for enterprises, governments, and communities.

At Lumen, you'll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what's next, where performance, security, and resilience matter.

This is a high accountability environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners, and industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear, and trust is built into how we operate. If you're ready to take ownership, deliver meaningful impact, and help shape the future of AI‑ready connectivity, join us today.

** The Role*
* ** Notice of Job Opportunity - Richard Evans is being recommended for the role of Sr Lead Finance Analyst 342273.*
* The Senior Lead Finance Analyst will play a critical role in managing and optimizing Operating Expenses (OPEX) across the enterprise. This position combines strong financial acumen with advanced technical skills, including AI-driven analytics, to deliver actionable insights and support strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate will partner with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate forecasting, budgeting, and reporting while driving automation and efficiency.

** Work Location*
* This position has been designated as fully remote in the U.S.

** The Main Responsibilities*
* OPEX Planning & Forecasting

+ Build and maintain dynamic OPEX models leveraging advanced analytics and scenario planning.

+ Apply predictive modeling techniques (e.g., regression, time-series forecasting) to improve forecast accuracy.

+ Utilize AI-driven tools for anomaly detection and trend analysis in expense patterns.

Financial Analysis & Insights

+ Perform deep-dive variance analysis, identifying root causes and actionable recommendations.

+ Develop dashboards using Power BI or similar visualization tools to present real-time OPEX performance.

+ Integrate machine learning algorithms to identify cost optimization opportunities and automate repetitive analysis tasks.

Business Partnering & Strategic Support

+ Act as a trusted advisor to operational leaders, translating complex financial data into strategic insights.

+ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align OPEX strategies with enterprise objectives.

+ Use natural language processing (NLP) tools to summarize large datasets and meeting transcripts for decision-making.

Process Automation & AI Enablement

+ Drive automation of reporting processes using Python, R, or SQL scripts integrated with financial systems.

+ Implement AI-based solutions for expense categorization and predictive spend management.

+ Partner with IT and data science teams to deploy machine learning models into financial workflows.

Data Governance & Compliance

+ Ensure data integrity and compliance with corporate financial policies and regulatory standards.

+ Apply AI-powered audit tools to detect anomalies and strengthen internal controls.

+ Maintain robust documentation for models, assumptions, and methodologies to support transparency.

** What We Look For in a Candidate*
* Technical Skills & Proficiencies

+ AI/ML Tools:
Tensor Flow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn for predictive analytics.

+ Data Visualization:
Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms.

+ Programming:
Advanced skills in Python and SQL for automation and data manipulation.

+ Cloud & Data Platforms:
Familiarity with Azure Data Services or similar enterprise cloud environments.

+ Financial Systems: SAP, Oracle, or equivalent ERP systems.

+ Data Science Concepts:
Predictive modeling, anomaly detection, and NLP for financial applications.

Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; MBA or CPA preferred.

+ 5+ years of experience in financial planning and analysis, with a focus on OPEX.

+ Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

+ Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

** Compensation*
* This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and…