Junior Financial Analyst
Location: Chicagoland Area, Must be Located near the Chicagoland Area (Onsite with Hybrid Flexibility AFTER 90 Days) Employment Type: Full-Time Industry: Performance Coatings, Architectural Paints, OEM Coatings, Powder Coatings Ownership Structure: Private Equity Sponsored Company Revenue: Approximately $70 Million
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated and analytical Junior Financial Analyst to support financial planning, reporting, and operational analysis across a growing performance coatings platform. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in manufacturing finance, business operations, and private equity-backed environments while working closely with senior leadership and the business controllers.
The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a desire to learn financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and business performance analysis within an industrial manufacturing setting. This position will support key decision-making processes by providing accurate financial insights and reporting.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting processes.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning activities.
- Analyze financial results and identify significant variances from budget and forecast.
- Prepare financial dashboards, KPI reports, and management presentations.
- Monitor revenue, costs, gross margins, and profitability trends across product lines.
- Assist with inventory, working capital, and cash flow analysis.
- Support manufacturing and operational teams with financial performance reporting.
- Conduct ad hoc financial analyses to support strategic and operational decision-making.
- Maintain and improve financial models used for forecasting and business planning.
- Assist with data collection and reporting for lenders, investors, and management teams.
- Support pricing, margin, and cost analysis initiatives.
- Participate in special projects, including acquisition analysis and integration support as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related field.
- 0-3 years of experience in financial analysis, accounting, corporate finance, or related roles.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or experience within manufacturing, industrial products, chemicals, coatings, or related industries.
- Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.
- Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and financial statement analysis.
- Familiarity with Power BI, Tableau, or other business intelligence platforms.
- Progress toward CPA, CMA, CFA, or MBA credentials is a plus.
Critical Success Factors
- Strong analytical and quantitative aptitude.
- Curiosity and willingness to learn complex business operations.
- Ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- High level of professionalism and accountability.
- Collaborative mindset and ability to work cross-functionally.
- Strong Excel and financial reporting capabilities.
Initial Priorities (First 90 Days)
- Learn company operations, products, and key financial drivers.
- Support monthly reporting and variance analysis processes.
- Assist in maintaining budgeting and forecasting models.
- Develop familiarity with manufacturing cost structures and KPIs.
- Build relationships with finance, operations, and commercial teams.
- Contribute to profitability, inventory, and working capital analyses.
- Improve reporting efficiency through data organization and process enhancements.
Why Join Us?
This role offers exceptional exposure to senior leadership, private equity ownership, and the financial operations of a leading manufacturing business. The successful candidate will gain valuable experience in financial planning and analysis, operational finance, and strategic business decision-making while building a strong foundation for future career growth within finance and corporate leadership.