Finance Specialist, Apple Watch

Apple Watch Finance Specialist is responsible for leading a broad cross-functional team in discussion of Watch program budgets, leveraging a strong financial acumen to drive towards the right numbers. This role allows for direct influence in the management of Engineering spend for our new products, reporting updates regularly at an Executive level. Apple Watch Finance Specialist will be responsible for commanding the dynamic budgets for Watch New Product Introduction. Having a comprehensive understanding of budgets, advanced spreadsheet abilities, understanding of fiscal integrity, as well as an understanding of the hardware being supported is necessary to succeed in the role. This role allows for the candidate to pioneer what a Finance Specialist can influence in the Hardware landscape as a critical conduit to our product cycles. Expectations of the Finance Specialist are to be in the details of every element of Watch budgets. This spans Product Design, Hardware, Manufacturing Design, and Capex. Finance Specialist must account for any changes to forecasted spend, working with each respective team to understand under or overspend, then summarizing for Executive review. This role will also require supporting the teams needs in re-allocation of funds, and accounting for every change in finite detail. Manage day to day budget requests; accounting for changes in forecasted budget and reconciling how teams can navigate available funds Routinely meet with cross-functional partners within the team to ensure any overages or buffers are be right-sized Be the primary driver of Monthly Budget Reviews with Senior Directors; gathering information from teams to present clear and concise status of program spend Identify risks and communicate resolution options to meet the expectations of Finance, Leadership, and Engineering Facilitate the creation of an entire programs budget Concept Review — presenting to the highest levels of the org Have a natural ability to be organized and juggle multiple priorities at once Excellent and compelling verbal and written communication is expected Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field 3-6+ years of Financial planning and project management experience Experience and familiarity with consumer electronic industry Certifications like CPA, CMA, or CGFM (Certified Government Financial Manager) are a plus Detailed knowledge of product development cycles & strong understanding of manufacturing processes Strong proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, financial modeling) Ability to filter and distill relevant information for the right audience Excellent communication, presentation, organizational and leadership skills Highly disciplined in workflow, process, and staying organized on priority tasks Superior attention to detail with a strong commitment to rigor and excellence. Data analysis and variance analysis skills Self motivated and proactive with creative and critical thinking capabilities. Track record of managing budgets end-to-end: planning, forecasting, monitoring, reporting