Lead Specialist, Financial Analysis - Expense Management

Job Family

Finance - General

Job Description Summary

This senior-level role serves as the dedicated Distribution expense leader, serving in support of the Company’s Distribution leadership team while operating from within the Corporate Finance FP&A Expense function. This leader will shape and execute Distribution expense strategy, define and manage key levers impacting earnings, and deliver insights and foresight that support running, growing, and transforming the business. The position combines advanced financial analysis expertise, strategic advisory capability, and disciplined operational execution.

Job Description

Strategic Responsibilities:

Define and operationalize expense levers

• Clearly define and maintain an enterprise-aligned framework for Controllable vs. Non-Controllable and Fixed vs. Variable expense categories

• Translate these definitions into management action levers to defend or grow earnings

• Partner with Distribution leadership to embed this framework into planning and decision cycles

Build and manage a portfolio of risks and opportunities

• Proactively identify, quantify, and track risks and opportunities across Distribution OpEx

• Actively lead the development of new opportunities, informed by business strategy and operational insights

• Partner cross-functionally to operationalize mitigation and acceleration plans

Develop dynamic forecasting and projection capabilities

• Design and own transparent, flexible, and data-driven projections to support monthly forecast cycles, annual planning, and long-range strategy

• Enable scenario modeling, sensitivity analysis, and earnings impact quantification

Enhance ROI analytics

• Increase rigor and discipline around ROI analysis for both recurring management actions and new initiatives

• Establish frameworks for expected vs. realized benefit measurement

• Drive fact-based decisioning for resource allocation and expense optimization

Deliver clear, succinct, and actionable insights

• Provide senior leadership with insightful readouts on what is changing, why, and recommended actions

• Ensure messaging aligns with Distribution and enterprise strategic objectives

• Influence and challenge stakeholders when needed through strong storytelling and analytics

Tactical and Business-as-Usual (BAU) Responsibilities:

Stand up and lead monthly OpEx governance

• Build and run a recurring, reliable, transparent, and insightful monthly OpEx results process

• Partner with budget owners to review results, drivers, variances, and forecasts

• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and leadership-ready outputs

Build subject-matter command of Distribution OpEx

• Maintain comprehensive understanding of all expense categories, funding mechanisms, headcount, compensation structures, technology and operations cost drivers, and vendor spend

• Serve as the go-to expense authority for Distribution leadership

Leverage and extend Transamerica best-in-class OpEx processes

• Fully adopt and champion Transamerica’s best-in-class OpEx methodologies

• Identify opportunities to automate, streamline, or improve processes

• Drive consistency and discipline across Distribution expense workflows

Redesign and manage headcount intake and approval process

• Redesign headcount intake and governance using enterprise best practices

• Partner with HR, FP&A, and Distribution leaders to ensure transparent, well-documented, and efficient approval flows

• Evaluate headcount requests for strategic fit, ROI, funding availability, and long-term implications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, or equivalent experience

• Ten years of financial analysis experience, including work in the insurance, financial services or investment management industry

• Strong understanding of controllability, cost structures, ROI methodologies, and driver-based forecasting

• Demonstrated experience advising senior executives and influencing strategic decisions

• Exceptional analytical, problem solving, and data storytelling skills

• Ability to operate with independence, sound judgment, and strategic mindset

• Advanced Excel and financial systems capability; comfort with building models

• Excellent written/oral communication and presentation skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience within insurance, annuities, or financial services

• Prior Distribution, Sales support, or field-facing financial experience

• MBA, CPA, CFA, or similar advanced certification

• Experience leading OpEx transformation, zero-based budgeting, or large-scale process redesign

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid (Tuesday - Thursday)

Compensation:

The Salary for this position generally ranges between $128,000 - $170,000 annually. Please note that the salary range is a good faith estimate for this position and actual starting pay is determined by several factors including qualifications, experience, geography, work location designation (in-office, hybrid, remote) and operational needs. Salary may vary above and below the stated amounts, as permitted by applicable law.

Additionally, this position is typically eligible for an Annual Bonus based on the Company Bonus Plan/Individual Performance and is at the Company’s discretion.

Disclaimer:
Beware of fake job offers!

We’ve been alerted to scammers impersonating Transamerica recruiters, particularly for remote positions. Please note:

• We will never request personal information such as ID or payment for equipment upfront.

• Official offers are sent via DocuSign following a verbal offer—not through text or email.

This job description is not a contract of employment nor for any specific job responsibilities. The Company may change, add to, remove, or revoke the terms of this job description at its discretion. Managers may assign other duties and responsibilities as needed. In the event an employee or applicant requests or requires an accommodation to perform job functions, the applicable HR Business Partner should be contacted to evaluate the accommodation request.

What We Offer  

For eligible employees, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both the personal and financial well-being of our employees. 

Compensation Benefits 

• Competitive Pay 

• Bonus for Eligible Employees 

Benefits Package 

• Pension Plan 

• 401k Match

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Disability Insurance

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Employee Discounts

• Career Training & Development Opportunities

Health and Work/Life Balance Benefits 

• Paid Time Off starting at 160 hours annually for employees in their first year of service.

• Ten (10) paid holidays per year (typically mirroring the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) holidays).

• Be Well Company holistic wellness program, which includes Wellness Coaching and Reward Dollars 

• Parental Leave – fifteen (15) days of paid parental leave per calendar year to eligible employees with at least one year of service at the time of birth, placement of an adopted child, or placement of a foster care child.

• Adoption Assistance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Back-Up Care Program

• PTO for Volunteer Hours

• Employee Matching Gifts Program

• Employee Resource Groups

• Inclusion and Diversity Programs

• Employee Recognition Program

• Referral Bonus Programs

Inclusion & Diversity  

  

We believe our commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a work environment filled with exceptional individuals. We’re thrilled to have been recognized for our efforts through the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, Dave Thomas Adoption Friendly Advocate, and several Seramount lists, including the Inclusion Index, 100 Best Companies for Working Parents, Best Companies for Dads, and Top 75 Companies for Executive Women. 

  

To foster a culture of inclusivity throughout our workforce, workplace, and marketplace, Transamerica offers a wide range of diversity and inclusion programs. This includes our company-sponsored, employee-driven Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are formed around a shared interest or a common characteristic of diversity. ERGs are open to all employees. They provide a supportive environment to help us better appreciate our similarities and differences and understand how they benefit us all. 

   

Giving Back  

  

We believe our responsibilities extend beyond our corporate walls. That's why we created the Aegon Transamerica Foundation in 1994. Through a mix of financial grants and the volunteer efforts of our employees, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations focused on the things that matter most to our people in the communities where we live and work.     

  

Transamerica’s Parent Company  

Aegon acquired the Transamerica business in 1999. Since its start in 1844, Aegon has  grown into an international company serving more than 23.9 million people across the globe.* It offers investment, protection, and retirement solutions, always with a clear purpose: Helping people live their best lives. As a leading global investor and employer, the company seeks to have a positive impact by addressing critical environmental and societal issues, with a focus on climate change and inclusion and diversity.   

* As of December 31, 2023