Financial Analyst II

The Fountain Group; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 45,460 - 48,216; Full time

Job summary

A financial and logistics solutions provider is seeking a Financial Analyst in North Chicago. This hybrid role involves supporting global logistics freight payment processes, managing vendor payments, and ensuring compliance with financial policies. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Business or Finance, with strong analytical and communication skills. Proficiency in SAP and Excel is essential, and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders is a must.

Qualifications

• Experience in vendor payments and invoice audits.
• Logistics experience with freight forwarders.
• Strong analytical skills to convert data into insights.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit Global Cost Allocation reports.
• Collaborate with freight forwarders to streamline processes.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies.

Skills

Financial analysis

Vendor payments

Invoice audit

Logistics experience

SAP proficiency

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Job description

Position: Financial Analyst – Freight Payment
Location: North Chicago, IL (Hybrid – 3 days onsite)
Pay Rate: $33–$35/hour

Primary Objective

The Financial Analyst supports Global Logistics Freight Payment processes from start to finish—including carrier onboarding, allocation mapping, logic implementation, and financial settlement. This role works extensively with freight forwarders (ocean, air, and road), managing vendor payments, resolving invoice discrepancies, and ensuring accuracy in freight spend reporting. The position requires both financial acumen and logistics experience to navigate complex data flows, support automation initiatives, and collaborate with cross-functional teams globally.

Core Responsibilities

Freight Payment & Audit

• Prepare and submit weekly Global Cost Allocation reports.
• Implement allocation logic and automation enhancements to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Identify and resolve duplicated freight expenses.
• Develop, enhance, and communicate rate audit logic for freight invoices.
• Partner with SAP IT, Accounts Payable, and Corporate Treasury to ensure seamless execution of all payment cycles.

Business Partnership

• Collaborate with freight forwarders, third-party vendors, and Regional Transportation Managers to streamline freight payment processes.
• Lead special projects and strategic initiatives within the global logistics network.
• Support Global Freight Payment purchase order (PO) processes and ongoing review cycles.
• Act as a primary point of contact for logistics payment-related inquiries and escalations.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Corporate Financial Manual (CFM) policies, Sarbanes-Oxley, and US GAAP.
• Provide guidance on internal controls, divisional procedures, and international policies.
• Monitor and enforce process compliance across global teams.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field.
• Financial background with experience in vendor payments and invoice audits.
• Logistics experience—especially working with freight forwarders for ocean, air, and road shipments.
• Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs); Power BI experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn raw data into actionable insights.
• Clear communication skills—capable of explaining complex data in simple terms and influencing stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently, and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Team-oriented with strong business partnership skills.

Soft Skills

• Outgoing and confident communicator who can speak up and represent financial/logistics interests effectively.
• Hands-on problem solver who takes initiative and works proactively.
• Comfortable building relationships with internal teams, vendors, and external partners.

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