Associate Analyst – Financial Planning & Analysis

The United Airlines interview process typically spans 3‑4 rounds. Candidates first clear an online aptitude test, followed by a technical interview focusing on SQL queries, Python scripting, and Excel case studies. The final HR round assesses cultural fit, communication skills, and work‑authorization status. The difficulty is moderate; thorough preparation on data extraction, automation, and basic finance concepts helps candidates succeed.

United Airlines is known for a collaborative and inclusive culture that encourages continuous learning and cross‑functional teamwork. Employees benefit from structured career development programmes, mentorship, and a balanced work‑life environment that respects personal time while delivering high performance. The airline’s global footprint provides opportunities to work on international projects and gain exposure to best practices across the aviation industry.

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Business, Technology, Data Science or any related quantitative discipline (B.E/B.Tech/B.Com/BBA accepted). • No specific percentage cut‑off mentioned; candidates should have a solid academic record. • Fresh graduates and candidates with up to 2 years of relevant experience are eligible. • Must belong to the 2025‑2027 batch (or recent graduates) with no active backlogs at the time of application. • Legal authorization to work in India without any sponsorship. • Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is mandatory.

Round 1: Online Application Screening → Round 2: Aptitude Test (Logical Reasoning, Quantitative) → Round 3: Technical Interview (SQL, Python, Excel case studies) → Round 4: HR Interview (fit, communication, work‑authorization).

United Airlines, a global leader in aviation with a presence in more than 350 destinations worldwide, has built a reputation for operational excellence, safety, and customer centricity. In India, United Airlines is expanding its corporate functions to support its growing market share and to bring data‑driven decision making to its regional operations. The company offers a vibrant work environment where employees collaborate across continents, leverage cutting‑edge technology, and contribute to a brand that is synonymous with reliability and innovation. As part of its financial backbone, the FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis) team plays a critical role in shaping the airline’s financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, and performance monitoring. The Associate Analyst – Financial Planning & Analysis role is designed for fresh graduates and early‑career professionals who possess a blend of quantitative education and technical aptitude. Reporting to the FP&A Manager, the analyst will be responsible for extracting, cleaning, and analysing large financial and operational datasets using SQL, Python, and advanced Excel. The role emphasizes automation of repetitive reporting tasks, improving data quality, and delivering actionable insights to finance, operations, and technology stakeholders. This position offers exposure to end‑to‑end FP&A processes, from data ingestion to variance analysis and business performance reporting, making it an ideal launchpad for a career in finance analytics. Key responsibilities include: 1. Write and optimise SQL queries to extract, join, and validate data from multiple finance and operational sources. 2. Develop Python scripts to automate data transformation, reconciliation, and routine reporting workflows. 3. Build advanced Excel models with complex formulas, pivot tables, and dynamic dashboards for monthly, quarterly, and ad‑hoc analysis. 4. Support the budgeting and forecasting cycles by preparing variance analysis reports and highlighting key drivers of performance. 5. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to understand business requirements and translate them into analytical solutions. 6. Conduct data quality checks, identify discrepancies, and perform root‑cause investigations to ensure accurate FP&A reporting. 7. Design and maintain automated reporting templates and dashboards using Power BI or Tableau where applicable. 8. Document current and future state processes, controls, and assumptions to create a knowledge repository for the FP&A function. 9. Identify opportunities for process improvement and propose automation initiatives that reduce manual effort and turnaround time. 10. Present findings and recommendations to senior finance leaders and non‑technical stakeholders in a clear, concise manner. The tech stack for this role centres on SQL, Python, and Microsoft Excel, with preferred exposure to Power BI, Tableau, Databricks, and cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure. The role offers a clear growth trajectory: high‑performing analysts can progress to Senior Analyst, FP&A Manager, and eventually to strategic finance leadership positions. United Airlines provides a supportive learning environment, mentorship programmes, and access to global best practices, making it an attractive destination for ambitious analysts. Joining United means working for a world‑renowned brand, gaining exposure to complex aviation finance, and contributing to data‑driven decisions that impact millions of passengers each year.