We are looking for a Senior Financial Analyst to support research and development finance activities in Arden Hills, Minnesota. This role will partner with business leaders to provide meaningful financial insight, improve planning accuracy, and strengthen reporting across a dynamic portfolio environment. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical capability, sound business judgment, and the ability to influence decisions through clear, data-driven recommendations.
Responsibilities:
โข Oversee forecasting, monthly close activities, financial reporting, and variance evaluation for research and development spending areas.
โข Work closely with R& D leaders to interpret financial results, test planning assumptions, and guide informed business decisions.
โข Partner with portfolio management teams to improve visibility into program funding, investment priorities, and trade-off scenarios across development initiatives.
โข Examine project-level costs such as staffing, discretionary spending, and primary expense drivers, then convert findings into practical recommendations.
โข Contribute to key planning cycles including quarterly outlooks, the annual budget process, and longer-term financial plans.
โข Prepare journal entries and provide support during month-end close to help ensure accurate accounting across functional and departmental budgets.
โข Identify and implement enhancements to reporting methods, analytics, systems usage, and internal finance processes to improve efficiency.
โข Create and maintain clear process documentation and work instructions to support consistency and operational effectiveness.
โข Bachelorโs degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related.
โข At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in financial planning and analysis or a comparable corporate finance role.
โข Demonstrated success with budgeting, forecasting, close support, and financial variance analysis.
โข Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
โข Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills, along with proficiency in presentation tools; experience with enterprise financial systems is preferred.
โข High attention to accuracy and detail in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
โข Ability to build productive partnerships, work across a matrixed organization, and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
โข Proactive, team-oriented, and service-focused approach with a willingness to learn quickly and solve problems independently.