Junior Financial Analyst

Aston Carter; Columbia (MD); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability coverage

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Junior Financial Analyst in Columbia, MD for a contract role. The analyst will handle complex loan and security payments, perform data entry, and analyze pooled loan data across servicers to ensure accuracy and compliance.

The role requires strong Excel skills, experience with financial analysis, and the ability to work in a deadline-driven team. Hybrid on-site/remote schedule with monthly on-site meetings and potential overtime to meet monthly reporting deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 1+ year of experience in financial services.
• Experience with multiple database systems.
• Experience proposing automated solutions or process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Process the most complex transactions and reconciliations related to loan and security payments with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Perform data entry, accounting, and analysis of pooled loan data from multiple mortgage servicers to identify and resolve variances.
• Use multiple database systems and Microsoft Excel to compare, validate, and reconcile data across various sources.
• Provide remittance and correction information to servicers to ensure accurate payment processing and reporting.
• Monitor and analyze pooled loans to identify non-compliance and communicate relevant findings to investors.
• Evaluate servicer performance to ensure compliance with stated agreements and document any exceptions or issues.
• Research and interpret controlling legal documents when issues arise related to collateral or bond payments.
• Maintain a working knowledge of collateral, securities, default, and trust administration practices and requirements.
• Participate in system enhancements by attending user groups, performing testing, and offering feedback on functionality.
• Identify, document, and communicate processing exceptions that are relevant to similar series across individual portfolios.
• Review and validate junior staff processing and reconciliations to ensure quality and adherence to procedures.
• Train junior level staff as needed, sharing best practices and supporting their development.
• Propose recommendations for process improvements and implement automated solutions on an ongoing basis to enhance efficiency.
• Meet strict monthly deadlines for analyses and reporting, including working overtime when necessary to complete required tasks.
• Collaborate closely with team members in a task-based environment to prioritize work and achieve shared goals.

Skills

Excel

Financial analysis

Business analysis

Accounting principles

Analytical skills

Legal documents

Collateral knowledge

Attention to detail

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Database systems

Job description

Job Title: Junior Financial Analyst

Job Description

The Analyst processes complex transactions and reconciliations related to loan and security payments, with a strong focus on pooled loan data and mortgage-backed securities. This role combines data entry, accounting, and detailed financial analysis to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting for collateral, securities, default, and trust administration activities. The position offers growth opportunities, exposure to multiple financial systems, and the chance to contribute to process improvements in a highly collaborative, deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Process the most complex transactions and reconciliations related to loan and security payments with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Perform data entry, accounting, and analysis of pooled loan data from multiple mortgage servicers to identify and resolve variances.
• Use multiple database systems and Microsoft Excel to compare, validate, and reconcile data across various sources.
• Provide remittance and correction information to servicers to ensure accurate payment processing and reporting.
• Monitor and analyze pooled loans to identify non-compliance and communicate relevant findings to investors.
• Evaluate servicer performance to ensure compliance with stated agreements and document any exceptions or issues.
• Research and interpret controlling legal documents when issues arise related to collateral or bond payments.
• Maintain a working knowledge of collateral, securities, default, and trust administration practices and requirements.
• Participate in system enhancements by attending user groups, performing testing, and offering feedback on functionality.
• Identify, document, and communicate processing exceptions that are relevant to similar series across individual portfolios.
• Review and validate junior staff processing and reconciliations to ensure quality and adherence to procedures.
• Train junior level staff as needed, sharing best practices and supporting their development.
• Propose recommendations for process improvements and implement automated solutions on an ongoing basis to enhance efficiency.
• Meet strict monthly deadlines for analyses and reporting, including working overtime when necessary to complete required tasks.
• Collaborate closely with team members in a task-based environment to prioritize work and achieve shared goals.

Essential Skills

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and other advanced functions.
• Ability to perform detailed financial analysis on pooled loan data and mortgage-related information.
• Solid understanding of business analysis concepts and techniques applied to financial services data.
• Competence in accounting principles related to loan and security payment processing and reconciliations.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to work comfortably with complex data and math.
• Ability to research and interpret legal and financial documents, particularly those related to collateral and bond payments.
• Capacity to maintain a working knowledge of collateral, securities, default, and trust administration.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, reconciliation, and documentation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to interact with servicers, investors, and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and manage multiple tasks to meet monthly reporting timelines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Math, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Statistics, Business, or a related field.
• Preferred 1+ year of experience in financial services, including internship experience.
• Experience working with multiple database systems in a financial or analytical setting.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate performance against contractual agreements and compliance standards.
• Experience participating in system enhancement initiatives, including user group involvement and testing.
• Background in proposing and implementing automated solutions or process improvements.
• Comfort working with pooled loans, mortgage servicing data, and structured finance products.
• Strong teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate in a task-based, team-oriented environment.
• Motivation to pursue growth opportunities and advancement within an organization.

Work Environment

The role operates in a highly team-oriented, task-based environment where collaboration and shared problem-solving are central to success. The work is deadline-driven, with key analyses and reconciliations required at specific points during the month, which may necessitate overtime to ensure all obligations are met. The position offers a hybrid and flexible schedule, with some training conducted on-site and large team meetings held monthly on-site in a designated office location. Outside of major conferences or team meetings, there is remote flexibility, allowing for a blend of in-office and remote work. The culture emphasizes growth opportunities, continuous learning, and participation in system enhancements, creating an environment that supports professional development and advancement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Columbia, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $23.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Columbia,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world‑class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry‑leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] ([e-mail]) for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.