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Entry Level Forecasting Analyst Jobs in Manchester, NH

Entry Level Forecasting Analyst information

See Manchester, NH salary details

$13

$27

$54

How much do entry level forecasting analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level forecasting analyst in Manchester, NH is $27.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.13 and $29.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level forecasting analysts, and how can new hires overcome them?

Entry level forecasting analysts often face challenges such as interpreting large datasets, understanding various forecasting models, and communicating complex findings to non-technical stakeholders. New hires can overcome these obstacles by actively seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, participating in training sessions, and leveraging analytical tools to streamline their workflow. Building strong collaboration with team members in finance, operations, and sales also helps ensure forecasts are accurate and actionable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level forecasting analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Forecasting Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of statistics, and a bachelor's degree in a quantitative field such as mathematics, economics, or data science. Familiarity with forecasting software, Excel, and data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting data and sharing insights with stakeholders. These skills and qualities are important because they enable accurate predictions, informed decision-making, and clear communication of complex data findings.

What does an entry level forecasting analyst do?

An Entry Level Forecasting Analyst is responsible for analyzing data to predict future trends, such as sales, demand, or financial outcomes, to help organizations make informed business decisions. They use statistical models, data analysis tools, and historical information to develop accurate forecasts. These analysts often work closely with other departments to gather data, interpret results, and present findings in clear reports or presentations. This role typically serves as a starting point for a career in data analysis, business intelligence, or supply chain management.

What is the difference between Entry Level Forecasting Analyst vs Data Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Forecasting AnalystData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Economics, Finance, or related field; basic Excel and statistical skillsBachelor's in Statistics, Mathematics, or related field; proficiency in Excel, SQL, and data visualization tools
Work EnvironmentFinancial, retail, or manufacturing sectors focusing on sales, demand, or financial forecastingVarious industries including healthcare, marketing, finance, analyzing data trends and insights
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies needing demand predictions and financial planningUsed across industries for data analysis, reporting, and decision support

While both roles involve data analysis skills, the Entry Level Forecasting Analyst primarily focuses on predicting future trends using statistical models, often within finance or retail sectors. In contrast, Data Analysts handle broader data interpretation and reporting across various industries. The roles share foundational skills but differ in their specific focus and application.

FP&A Analyst - Corporate Costs & Procurement

ALKU - Apply Today!

Andover, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

About ALKU

ALKU is a high-growth specialty staffing firm headquartered in Andover, MA, placing elite contractors across technology, life sciences, and government sectors. We are performance-driven, analytically minded, and relentless about making data-informed decisions at every level. Our finance team does not sit on the sideline - we are embedded in the business, challenging assumptions and shaping strategy.

The Opportunity

Salary + Bonus: $80,000 - $95,000

We are hiring an FP&A Analyst to own two critical and interconnected mandates: (1) financial planning and analysis and (2) the company's procurement function by developing processes and controls on vendor management, ROI, and align purchasing decisions with business strategy. This is a dual-mandate, high-ownership role that suits an analyst who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and wants to move beyond spreadsheets into impactful business influence.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate FP&A Coverage

  • Own the budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis for all corporate cost centers including Technology, HR, Finance, Talent Acquisition, and all CapEx spend.
  • Build and maintain monthly reporting packages that surface actionable insights - not just actuals vs. budget, but the story behind the numbers
  • Partner with cost center owners to build a business case and driver-based models for headcount plans, vendor spend, and discretionary spend drivers
  • Support the annual operating plan process by preparing corporate cost center templates, challenging assumptions, and consolidating submissions
  • Conduct ad hoc analyses as directed by the Head of FP&A, CFO, and senior leadership

Procurement & Vendor Management

  • Serve as the FP&A point of contact for all corporate vendor spend - own the spend and ensure it is visible, categorized, and rationalized
  • Lead or support vendor negotiations on key contracts (software, HR tech, professional services, travel, benefits vendors) with a focus on cost reduction and value optimization
  • Build and maintain a vendor ROI framework: define metrics, track utilization, and provide periodic scorecard reporting to leadership
  • Monitor contract terms, renewal timelines, and usage data to flag risks and opportunities proactively
  • Work cross-functionally with Tech, HR, IT, Legal, and Finance to ensure procurement decisions follow internal policy and are financially sound
  • Identify and implement improvements to the procurement process - workflow, approval governance, documentation standards, and vendor onboarding
  • Evaluate purchase requests and vendor proposals for financial viability and alignment with operating plan targets

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field
  • 2-4 years of experience in FP&A, corporate finance, or a related analytical role
  • Strong financial modeling skills; fluency in Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, scenario modeling)
  • Experience with budget/forecast processes, variance analysis, and management reporting
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate financial findings clearly to non-finance stakeholders
  • High attention to detail with a mindset for building scalable, repeatable processes

Preferred

  • Experience in staffing, professional services, or high-growth company environment
  • Prior exposure to procurement, strategic sourcing, or vendor management
  • Familiarity with ERP or FP&A platforms (e.g Adaptive Insights)
  • Experience with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, or similar)
  • Understanding of contract structures, SLAs, and vendor performance frameworks
  • CPA or CFA certification is a plus

The Benefits

  • Equity Plan
  • PTO package (plus birthdays off and volunteer time off)
  • Student Loan Reimbursement after one year as a full-time employee
  • Health and dental care
  • Competitive 401K match
  • A variety of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
  • Childcare Reimbursement
  • Fitness Reimbursement

 

National Awards

  • com's Best Place to Work for Entry-Level Employees
  • Fortune's Best Place to Work for Millennials
  • Staffing Industry Analysts' (SIA) Best Staffing Firms to Work For
  • Staffing Industry Analysts; (SIA) Fastest Growing Staffing Firms
  • Boston Business Journal's Top 10 Best Places to Work
  • Washington Business Journal's Top 15 Best Places to Work
  • Virginia Business Journal's Top 25 Best Places to Work
  • Nashville Business Journal's Top 10 Best Places to Work
  • Charlotte Business Journal's Top 10 Best Places to Work

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

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