Finance Specialist, Apple Watch
Summary
Apple Watch Finance Specialist is responsible leading a broad cross-functional team in developing Watch projects, leveraging a strong technical background to effectively manage and communicate cross-functional issues and risks. This role is providing a unique opportunity to combine deep technical expertise with program management skills and executives exposure.
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.
Description
Manage the planning and execution of product prototype builds, leading a cross-functional team of electrical, software, and mechanical engineers. Set and communicate clear objectives for the build schedule, serving as the primary point of contact for the program with Contract Manufacturer (CM) partners. Lead multi-functional engineering team meetings to discuss design scope, set timelines, and ensure timely completion. You’ll understand the complexities of system integration and collaborate with teams to facilitate feedback through the internal design review process. Maintain good communication and provide multiple levels of status to individual contributors and executive management.
Responsibilities
- 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
Minimum Qualifications
- BS engineering degree required
- 3-6+ years of Financial planning and project management experience
- Experience and familiarity with consumer electronic industry
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field
- 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