Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist

Itron is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water. We create a more resourceful world to protect essential resources for today and tomorrow. Join us.

This role serves as a strategic finance partner to the Outcomes Research & Development (R&D) organization, enabling innovation and value creation within a technology-driven Utilities & Energy environment. The position provides end-to-end financial planning, analysis, and operational support across actuals, budgets, forecasts, and long-range plans. By delivering clear insights, scalable planning tools, and scenario-based analysis, this role helps R&D leaders make informed, customer-oriented investment decisions.

The role collaborates closely with the Project Management Office (PMO), engineering, and senior R&D and corporate leaders to support effective resource allocation, portfolio health, and continuous improvement.

• Act as an accountable finance partner to the global R&D organization, supporting innovation initiatives that deliver long-term customer and business value in the Utilities & Energy sector.
• Prepare, analyze, and present monthly and quarterly financial reporting for global R&D spend, highlighting key drivers, variances, risks, and opportunities, and recommending agile corrective actions when needed.
• Lead and support the development of annual budgets, rolling forecasts, and long-range plans for R&D, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, innovation roadmaps, and customer outcomes.
• Drive continuous improvement of R&D budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes, increasing transparency, efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Analyze R&D investment profiles at the project and portfolio level, evaluating spend efficiency, portfolio health, and the financial impact of new product development and innovation pipelines.
• Develop, maintain, and refine financial models that support scenario planning, investment governance, and executive-level decision-making.
• Partner closely with global R&D leaders, engineering teams, and the PMO to incorporate project updates, resource changes, and timeline shifts into financial plans and forecasts.
• Collaborate with R&D operating expense owners to ensure accurate forecasting, insightful variance analysis, and disciplined financial management tied to key strategic initiatives.
• Manage ad hoc reporting and analysis requests, validate data inputs, resolve discrepancies, and uphold high standards of financial accuracy and integrity.
• Support and lead strategic and operational initiatives related to R&D transformation, resource planning, and investment optimization, acting as a proactive change agent.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related business discipline.
• 3–5 years of experience in FP&A, strategic finance, or a related analytical finance role.
• Demonstrated ability to partner authentically with cross-functional stakeholders and influence decision-making through data-driven insights.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of accountability and attention to detail.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment while managing multiple priorities with agility.
• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences.

• MBA and/or PMP certification.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word; experience with Power BI preferred.
• Advanced working knowledge of Oracle Cloud EPM Planning or a similar cube-based planning and reporting platform.
• Experience building and managing financial models to drive insight, support scenario planning, and identify…