Senior Analyst, Financial Planning and Analytics

Jobtailor; Thief River Falls (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a Senior Financial Analyst in Minnesota to develop and maintain forecasting models for logistics spend and related costs, while preparing monthly outlooks and KPI reports for executive leadership.

You will analyze historical results to improve forecast accuracy, partner with cross-functional teams on cost control, and build financial models for business cases and pricing initiatives. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in operational, financial, or general business analysis.
• 1-3 years experience supporting supply chain, operations, procurement, logistics or trade compliance functions.
• Experience presenting financial reporting to executive leadership.
• Knowledge of cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and GAAP.
• Understanding of financial accounting, P&L, and the balance sheet.

Responsibilities

• Develop, refine, and maintain forecasting models for logistics spend and related costs.
• Prepare monthly financial outlooks, highlight risks and opportunities.
• Analyze historical results to improve forecast accuracy.
• Establish, measure, and report financial KPIs for leadership.
• Deliver monthly reporting packages and margin analysis by product and business segment.
• Lead or support process improvements to enhance data accuracy.
• Build financial models for business cases, investments, pricing changes, and strategic initiatives.
• Travel domestically and/or internationally as required.

Skills

Financial Modeling

Forecasting

Variance Analysis

Project Management

Data Analysis

Interpersonal Communication

Attention to Detail

Problem-Solving

Organizational Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance

MBA or Graduate Degree (Preferred)

Tools

Excel

SQL

Power BI

Oracle Analytics

Sigma

Job description

• Develop, refine, and maintain forecasting models for assigned business areas, including logistics spend, duties, and tariff-related costs
• Prepare monthly financial outlooks and highlight risks, opportunities, and corrective actions
• Analyze historical results and trends to improve forecast accuracy and planning assumptions
• Establish, measure, and report financial KPIs for leadership and executives
• Perform variance analysis of actual versus budget/forecast performance and identify root causes
• Deliver monthly reporting packages, dashboards, and margin analysis by product, customer, and business segment
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to senior management
• Review expenditures to identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and areas requiring tighter controls
• Evaluate margin drivers, inventory levels, and operational efficiencies with assigned business units
• Support job costing, estimating, and product cost reviews with Operations and Accounting
• Lead or support process improvement initiatives to streamline reporting and enhance data accuracy
• Build financial models for business cases, investments, pricing changes, and strategic initiatives
• Participate in cross-functional teams focused on systems, process improvements, and operational initiatives
• Partner with Accounting to ensure reporting accuracy
• Prepare presentations for business owners, Director, Finance, and senior leadership
• Review financial processes and tools for continuous improvement
• Assist with customer or supplier contract reviews
• Participate in system testing, upgrades, or implementation projects
• Support documentation, SOPs, and financial process training
• Travel domestically and/or internationally as required

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field of study
• 6+ years of experience in operational, financial, or general business analysis
• 1-3 years experience supporting supply chain, operations, procurement, logistics or trade compliance functions
• Experience presenting financial reporting to executive leadership
• Knowledge of cost accounting and control principles, budgeting, and forecasting including generally accepted accounting principles
• Understanding of financial accounting, P&L, and the balance sheet
• Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements and projections
• Ability to lead projects and project teams
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, problem-solving, project management, and multitasking skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work under pressure with limited supervision to meet deadlines
• Ability to establish and contribute to teamwork and collaboration with diverse groups
• Analytical capacity, customer/client focus, ethical conduct, initiative, professionalism, thoroughness, and time management
• Proficiency in Excel and experience with financial software
• Preferred: MBA or graduate degree, or equivalent
• Preferred: Basic understanding of business functions and the distribution industry
• Preferred: Experience using SQL and/or other data-querying tools
• Preferred: Experience with reporting tools such as Sigma, Oracle Analytics, or Power BI
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in financial modeling, forecasting, and variance analysis, with a strong focus on operational efficiencies and cost control. Proficient in presenting financial insights to executive leadership and collaborating across functions to drive process improvements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Financial Modeling
• Forecasting
• Variance Analysis
• Cost Accounting
• Project Management

Hard Skills

• Financial Analysis
• Budgeting
• P&L Understanding
• Data Analysis
• Financial Reporting

Soft Skills

• Interpersonal Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Problem-Solving
• Organizational Skills
• Team Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance
• MBA or Graduate Degree (Preferred)

Industry Keywords

• Supply Chain
• Logistics
• Procurement
• Trade Compliance
• Cost Control Principles

Tools & Technologies

• Excel
• SQL
• Power BI
• Oracle Analytics
• Sigma