Financial Analyst/Consultant – CSPS emphasis
Finance Department
The Financial Analyst position is one of six in the Financial Consulting, Analysis and Planning division of the Finance Group. The primary client of this position is the Christian Science Publishing Society. The primary function is to provide cost-benefit analysis to various projects and operations for the Christian Science Publishing Society.
Financial Reporting and Consulting
Collaborate with CSPS managers and Accounting department to determine the content and frequency of financial and statistical reports.
Monitor financial and statistical reports to ensure their accuracy, timeliness and completeness.
Perform Cost/Benefit analysis for alternatives such as:
Outsource vs. In-house
Internal rate of return for operating alternatives
Provide financial modeling of various modes of operation including financial impact and short and long term analysis for Course A vs. Course B.
Establish key performance measures with analysis of these metrics for management.
Is this the best way to carry out this process/function?
Can we be using resources more effectively?
Play a pivotal role in preparing the CSPS operating and capital expenditures budget.
Analyze the performance of Budget vs. Actual as the year progresses.
Prepare and present variance analysis to department management.
Guide the CSPS management team in costing out the initiatives requested by the operating units.
Prepare and present the cost/benefit of the projects to management so that priorities can be ranked and chosen.
Day to day financial/HR supervision
· This position is the check-point for all requisitioning (not the signer, but the funnel, the analyzer, the expediter). Primary responsibilities include analyzing the item in the budget and its cost effectiveness, and researching viable alternatives.
· Manage the payment of invoices along with ensuring proper authorizations and correct project coding.
· Supervise the department’s inventory of equipment. Verify controls are in place and inventory is up-to-date with the correct acquisition date and cost. Serve as the communications point with the operations group for equipment issues.
· Direct the processing of the department’s personnel forms which include new hires, title changes, salary increases and terminations. Additionally, maintain the department’s organization chart and monthly Authorized Positions Report.
Skills & Experience
· Proven experience in financial and cost benefit analysis with the ability to identify and weigh the financial and operating consequences of various options.
· Ability to summarize complex analysis into a clear and actionable direction.
· Solid background in preparing and presenting financial analysis with the ability to engender confidence from management.
· Solid knowledge of managerial accounting methodology and language; however, it is not necessary to have been a practicing accountant.
· Strong Microsoft Excel, Access, Power-point and Word skills.
· Knowledge of Activity Based Costing preferred.
· 5 years in publishing business, a plus.
Qualities
· Demonstrated initiative and flexibility; able to anticipate and act with confidence; a self starter with principles to guide the work.
· Must have a solution-oriented approach and thrive on problem solving.
· Conceptual thinker who is both hands-on and strategic; has the ability to see how the client’s details fit into the context of the entire organization.
· Team player – must be able to work well with clients as well as with teammates; has a team-oriented approach in seeing both sides of the issue and in reaching compromises when necessary.
· Commitment – must be flexible and deadline driven with a willingness to go “above and beyond” to meet deadlines and complete projects. Able to give 110% at all times.
Reporting Relationships
· The Financial Analyst reports to the Assistant Treasurer of the Church.