Business Office Specialist

About the Team

The People Organization Business Operations team enables strategic decision-making through financial planning, workforce cost management, business performance reporting, and transformation execution. The team partners with People leaders, Finance, and cross-functional stakeholders to provide transparency on headcount, operating expenses, and business performance while supporting enterprise transformation initiatives and cost-efficiency programs.

Mission | Purpose of the Role

The Business Operations Specialist works closely with the Finance Business Controller and is responsible for providing business office support for the People Organization through financial planning, budgeting, cost management, performance reporting, and transformation program execution. The role enables leadership decision-making through analytics, financial insights, workforce cost transparency, and strategic business partnering.

The position plays a key role in supporting large-scale transformation initiatives, operational cost management ensuring financial discipline and alignment with organizational objectives.

 

Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Business Steering

• Monitor and track People Organization operating expenses (OPEX) against approved plans and targets.

• Identify financial risks, opportunities, and mitigation actions to support delivery of financial commitments.

• Develop team-level financial summaries.

• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual business reviews.

• Manage the Wave Tool cost reduction and investment entries

Budget Planning & Cost Management

• Support headcount and cost planning processes across the People Organization.

• Perform budget analysis, forecasting, variance assessment, and cost-center reviews.

• Partner with People Org Finance Controller and business leaders to ensure cost transparency and effective financial governance.

• Contribute to multi-year financial planning activities.

Performance Reporting & Analytics

• Develop and maintain financial and operational dashboards to support decision-making.

• Consolidate and analyze business performance data from multiple sources.

• Produce management reporting and insights for senior leadership.

• Drive continuous improvement in reporting automation, visualization, and data quality.

Transformation & Cost Optimization Programs

• Support the planning, execution, and tracking of strategic transformation initiatives.

• Facilitate headcount reduction cost tracking and cost optimization programs.

• Monitor progress against transformation targets and savings commitments.

• Provide analytical support for organizational change and workforce restructuring activities.

Business Model & Cost Allocation Management

• Support People Organization financial model development and continuous improvement.

• Manage cost allocation methodologies, recharge mechanisms and consumption-based charging models.

• Analyse service scope, volume changes, and financial impacts.

• Provide recommendations to improve operational efficiency and financial transparency.

Global Mobility & Service Recharging

• Support financial processes related to Global Mobility and other People services.

• Maintain recharge and allocation reporting.

• Analyse cost movements and ensure accurate financial tracking.

• Collaborate with Finance stakeholders on process improvements and reporting needs.

Business Partnering & Strategic Analysis

• Conduct financial, workforce and operational analysis to support strategic decisions.

• Support with business cases, recommendations and executive presentations.

• Support special projects and cross-functional initiatives across the People Organization.

Process Improvement & Governance

• Identify opportunities to simplify and improve business processes.

• Support governance and reporting frameworks that enhance operational effectiveness.

• Drive consistency in reporting methodologies, planning assumptions, and performance metrics.

• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.

• Key Deliverables

• • Financial plans and forecasts
• • OPEX and cost management reports
• • Executive dashboards and performance scorecards
• • Headcount and workforce cost analytics
• • Transformation and cost-saving progress reports
• • Business model and charging analysis
• • Leadership presentations and business reviews
• • Strategic business cases and recommendations
• • Utilise AI to support financial analysis and scenario planning

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in business operations, finance, controlling or business planning

• Strong capabilities in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting capability.

• Experience managing and analyzing large datasets and translating finding into clear, executive-level insights.

• Knowledge of workforce planning, headcount management, and cost allocation methodologies.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Experience supporting transformation programs and organizational change initiatives.

• Advanced proficiency in Excel and Power BI skills (desirable).

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across functions and organizational levels.

• Experience in a global technology organization.

• Experience working with enterprise planning, reporting, and financial systems.

• Knowledge of workforce transformation and cost optimization programs.

Success Measures

• Delivery of financial targets and forecasting accuracy.

• Quality and timeliness of executive reporting.

• Cost transparency and financial governance effectiveness.

• Achievement of transformation and productivity objectives.

• Stakeholder satisfaction and business partnership effectiveness.

• Automation and simplification of reporting and planning processes.

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Our recruitment process

We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.

If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.

The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.