Guidance E1 / E2
>Use data to identify problems and analyze root causes
Analytical Skills >Exhibit breakthrough thinking: go beyond current
processes with innovative ideas
>Incorporate technical skills to draw conclusions and
propose solutions
Identify problems and issues based on known
Problem Identification processes. Identify potential issues with
incomplete or ambigious information.
Root Cause Analysis Sort out relevant information and probe deeply
to underlying causes. Incorporate information &
determine the root casue of issues.
Go beyond surface data and expand beyond
current processes and thinking. Utilize multiple
Critical Thinking
sources of information -internal /external - to
develop innovative ideas.
Cut through non-essential, irrelevant or flawed
information. Organize analsyis in logical fashion
Data Analysis that targets specific drivers and facilitates
discussion.Anticipate implications of data
results and analysis.
Understand and utilize various financial models
Financial Modeling Skills
to analyze data.
Develop & Propose Solutions Develop actionable solutions and recommendations. Consider
the implications for all functional areas of the company.
E3 / E4
v Understands processes within scope of job and can identify and explain
issues at transactional level.
v Works with manager to determine root cause and possible solutions
within job scope.
v Applies existing business processes and rules to routine tasks.
v Accurately gathers and validates data. Extracts relevant data from
systems within job scope.
v Performs variance analysis of transactions to confirm accuracy or
determine significant impacts.
v Provides summary and analysis of problems. Identifies lack of
compliance with existing rules or processes.
v Works with manager or co-workers to determine next steps when
addressing an issue.
E5
v Identifies and assesses issues in existing processes and
procedures that may skew results. Brings to manager's attention.
v Determines root cause and possible solutions when faced with a
problem or issue within job scope.
v Incorporates and applies new information and concepts to existing
processes or problem solving.
v Understands data sources and filters data to identify key drivers
versus extraneous elements. Competent in basic data analysis
skills, e.g., variance analysis and account reconciliations.
v Identifies trends or performance measures that are indicators of
process or transactional problems.
v Develops solutions within area of expertise and determines their
effectiveness.
v Proposes a solution when addressing problems.
E6
v Identifies moderately complex issues by incorporating information
from a variety of sources, even beyond the "known" Finance
processes.
v Determines the underlying root cause of an issue by looking beyond v Probes deeply into issues to identify relevant
the initial impact or reporting outcome.
v Expands analysis beyond existing processes and recommends
changes. Identifies non-obvious yet important issues from data
analyses.
v Identifies specific and relevant data needed to understand
problems. Organizes into informative recommendations and
assessments to support the conclusions derived. Uses to identify
inaccuracies in research or conclusions.
v Demonstrates grasp of basic financial theories and modeling, such
as P&L, balance sheet, ROI, etc. Utilizes this knowledge to define
requirements and develop financial models, incorporating
appropriate level of detail.
v Develops actionable solutions to problems integrating information
from a variety of sources. Has awareness of how solutions may
have an impact on areas outside own area of responsibility.
v Tests solutions to be sure cause of problem has been addressed.
E7
v Identifies complex issues despite incomplete or
ambiguous information.
information when determining underlying causes.
Assesses and quantifies root causes of issues.
v Analysis takes inputs from multiple sources,
assesses impacts, makes recommendations on a
revised course of action. Articulates conclusions
at appropriate level of detail, including
recommendations for actions. Demonstrates
creativity and original thinking.
v Anticipates outcomes to influence decisions.
Develops analysis or models to drive decision
making, using data, logic and a comprehensive
analysis of a situation or business issue.
Identifies gaps in logic or knowledge real time
during business discussions.
v Applies financial techniques at an expert level
(e.g., NPV, discounted cash flows). Identifies
flaws or inaccuracies in reasoning or conclusions
and addresses them.
v Develops actionable solutions for presentation to
a broader audience. May involve reliance on
cross functional teams. Uses analysis to drive
recommendations.
v Defines alternative solutions to problems or
issues. Identifies risks and benefits related to
identified solutions.
E8
v Evaluates and takes into account key
interdependencies when identifying issues and
impacts. Clarifies cause of complex issues
despite incomplete or ambiguous information.
v Probes deeply into issues and problems, quickly
homing in on relevant information. Looks past
symptoms to determine the underling root causes.
v Demonstrates creativity to complete projects and
resolve problems in a timely manner. Leverages
internal and external sources, plus "original
thinking" to assess and develop fundamentally new
proposals and strategy. Contributes as technical
expert.
v Analyzes and cuts through nonessential, illogical,
or unsubstantiated information and flaws in logic or
reasoning. Avoids over-analysis and minimizes
time and detail level by focusing on important
issues. Detects and avoids analytic bias.
v Understands concepts of more advanced financial
techniques (e.g., simulation, statistical modeling)
to add insight to analysis. Recognizes and
prioritizes resolution of problems/issues that have
systemic implications to business processes,
projects or systems.
v Offers innovative alternatives and options that are
actionable and may drive change as part of
solution.
v Anticipates and evaluates impact of solutions on
organization. Proactively seeks cross functional
feedback and buy in. Identifies risks and benefits
related to identified solutions
E9
v Effectively identifies key relationships and dependencies involving
multiple projects and priorities. Anticipates when decisions
require further analysis. Drives for continuous improvement.
v Clearly defines, reviews and frames highly complex issues,
despite incomplete or ambiguous information, to ensure that the
most critical elements are addressed in a timely manner.
v Assesses a new project, guides team in analytic approaches or
leads development of new processes from a "blank sheet"
perspective, with no prior history as reference data. Recognized
as a technical expert.
v Understands broader implications of actions and their impacts
across multiple areas of the company. Identifies and effectively
articulates impacts; develops and presents alternative solutions;
addresses issues /conflicts based on financial implications.
v Applies concepts of more advanced financial techniques (e.g.,
simulation, statistical modeling) to analysis. Anticipates issues
with systemic implications to business processes, projects or
systems. Provides leadership in development of metrics.
v Drives change through leadership skills, business knowledge and
proper assessment of alternative courses of action.
v Creates feedback mechanisms to monitor and anticipate future
problems. Shares leading practices with others.
E10
Focuses on the most critical and leveraging problems
first. Probes beyond stated problem to identify real
problem
Finds the non-obvious. Understands second order
impacts. Considers solution.
Explores multiple problem perspectives…leads the
team in collaborative approach in determining
solutions….challenges group think / devil's advocate
Creates meaningful scenarios with key variables.
Communicates complex analysis in comprehensible
ways that drive action. Knows when current methods
and approaches are insufficient….start with drive
action & reword
Expertly applies sophisticated techniques to corporate
problems. Communicates methods and conclusions
effectively to multiple constituencies.
Constructively engaged in developing solutions to multi
functional problems. **Ensures solutions incorporate
financial perspecive**Ensures solutions are resource
feasible
Identifies emerging problems before full impacts are
felt. Reacts quickly and mitigates impacts
Anticipates potential problems and takes mitigating
action…builds on probing …effectively works
across the organization to determine totality of
issues to ensure right data & perspective are been
represented
Matches root cause to most effective
solutions…..alternative viewpoints & experts
Sees whole situation. Identifies hidden issues and
risks. Generates risk mitigation plans and
alternatives.
Aligns analysis with potential actions. Identifies
optimal solutions for complex problems and
quantifies tradeoffs for compromise solutions.
Drives continual methodological improvement.
Defines expected levels of expertise required in
organization for future business problems.
Performs gap analysis and drives appropriate skill
enhancements.***Maybe under Org development**
Successful in influencing solutions to corporate
scale issues….build on the add on in E9
Demonstrates ability to see problems before they
occur. Uses experience and or knowledge to
prevent suprises.