Financial Analyst

Vista Higher Learning; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational content development company in Boston seeks a Financial Analyst to provide insights into budgets and financial risks. The role involves utilizing financial models, developing forecasts, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting and 3+ years of experience in financial analysis. The position offers a hybrid work schedule and a competitive salary of $65k-$80k annually.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a financial analysis role.
• Solid foundation in financial reporting with ability to interpret key metrics.
• Experience preparing income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

Responsibilities

• Utilize financial models and scenario analysis for planning.
• Help develop budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial plans.
• Provide variance analysis and insights for performance improvement.

Skills

Financial analysis

Data interpretation

Problem-solving

Budgeting

Variance analysis

Financial reporting

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Tools

QuickBooks

NetSuite

Microsoft Great Plains

Job description

Overview

Who are you? You are a financial analyst that loves to uncover valuable insights from the data in front of you and utilize it to help the business grow. You excel at problem-solving, have an eye for the details, and can communicate your findings clearly and effectively.

Who are we? We are passionate, innovative, lifelong learners, and creative thinkers working to develop culturally authentic language learning products for K-12 schools and universities.

What is this role about?

As a Financial Analyst you will work closely with the Financial Manager and other stakeholders by helping provide timely and valuable insights into budgets, investments, and financial risks related to organizational goals, ultimately helping to drive strategic planning and operational efficiency.

In this role you will

• Utilize financial models and scenario analysis for planning and investment decisions.
• Help develop budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial plans.
• Provide variance analysis and insights for performance improvement.
• Assess financial impacts of initiatives and pricing changes.
• Prepare concise presentations and dashboards for management.
• Turn complex data into actionable reports and visualizations.
• Create templates and automate reporting to boost efficiency.
• Monitor key metrics to evaluate business health.
• Support performance scorecards and KPI dashboards.
• Work with other teams to link financial and operational plans.
• Join business case development, offering financial guidance.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Document assumptions and methods in financial models for transparency.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• 3+ years of experience in a financial analysis role.
• Solid foundation in financial reporting and analysis, with the ability to interpret and synthesize key financial metrics.
• Experience preparing and analyzing financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Experience building and refining financial models and conducting scenario analyses to support planning and decision-making.
• Experience performing ratio analysis to evaluate liquidity, profitability, and solvency metrics.
• Working knowledge of accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS), including journal entries, accruals, and revenue recognition practices.
• Experience conducting variance analysis, identifying performance drivers, and assisting in developing accurate forecasts and budgets.
• Experience independently analyzing financial data to uncover trends, assess performance, and highlight opportunities for cost optimization or revenue growth.
• Solid understanding of financial principles and their application to support departmental goals and contribute to strategic discussion.
• Prepare clear, concise financial reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to managers and stakeholders.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of financial information.
• Proficient in financial and accounting platforms (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, or similar).
• Familiarity with ERP systems including Microsoft Great Plains.
• Strong Microsoft Excel capabilities, including pivot tables, charting, conditional formatting, data validation, and lookup functions.
• Skilled in using productivity tools such as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Effective in leveraging digital communication and collaboration platforms to support team and project efficiency.

Preferred (ideal) skills

• Experience working in a similar role or in the education industry.

Location

Boston - Hybrid

Position requires current residence within the United States of America and willingness to work a Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday Hybrid schedule in our Boston, MA office location. Relocation assistance is not available.

Salary

$65k-$80k annual

This position is salaried and is eligible for an annual incentive based on employee and organizational performance.