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Variance Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior FP&A Analyst

Irmo, SC

$69K - $87K/yr

Prepare variance analysis comparing actual results to budget, forecast, and prior periods * Support cash flow forecasting and working capital analysis * Analyze revenue, margin, operating expense ...

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Develop, monitor, analyse and report key performance metrics, conduct the variance analysis to support project management; Interact frequently with senior level project managers and lab leaders ...

Financial Analyst II

Springfield, IL · Hybrid

$66K - $92K/yr

Serve as a liaison to leadership, presenting budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses. * Develop and maintain allocation methodologies and cost drivers. * Prepare cost-benefit analyses (CBAs) and ...

This role is heavily focused on data-driven financial reporting, variance analysis, and building scalable reporting tools as the team continues to expand its FP&A and analytics capabilities. This is ...

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Variance Analyst Company Description Talent Solution Partners is a full-service Talent Acquisition and Solutions Firm. Our primary focus is the placement of senior-level professionals and executives ...

The individual will be assisting with the FP&A Function; annual budgeting process, operating variance, margin analysis and special projects. Will provide analytical support to senior management ...

Creating and analyzing asset information, providing variance analysis and reports. * Reviewing financial material and making recommendations as appropriate. * Generating and overseeing various budget ...

Serve as a liaison to leadership, presenting budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses. * Develop and maintain allocation methodologies and cost drivers. * Prepare cost-benefit analyses (CBAs) and ...

Creating and analyzing asset information, providing variance analysis and reports. * Reviewing financial material and making recommendations as appropriate. * Generating and overseeing various budget ...

Creating and analyzing asset information, providing variance analysis and reports. * Reviewing financial material and making recommendations as appropriate. * Generating and overseeing various budget ...

Senior Financial Analyst

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$85K - $95K/yr

Prepare executive-level reporting and perform variance analysis * Partner cross-functionally to support strategic initiatives and planning * Improve reporting processes, automation, and system ...

Prepare and analyze financial reports, dashboards, and supporting schedules * Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis * Support month-end close and account reconciliation processes

Senior Financial Analyst

Elmhurst, IL · Hybrid

$85K - $106K/yr

Variance analysis comparing actual results to budget and forecast Qualifications of Senior Financial Analyst (FP&A): * Bachelors degree: Finance, Accounting, or Economics * 3-5 years of experience in ...

Perform detailed cost accounting and variance analysis, including purchase price variance (PPV), overhead and spending analysis, freight and distribution expenses, inventory management, and capital ...

About You You are a finance professional with strong analytical instincts and a solid foundation in forecasting, variance analysis, and financial modeling. You are comfortable working with financial ...

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Variance Analyst information

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$38.5K

$72.3K

$113K

How much do variance analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for variance analyst in the United States is $72,338.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $82,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

Variance analysts typically do not earn $1,000,000 annually; such high earnings are usually associated with executive roles, successful entrepreneurs, or highly specialized professionals in finance, investment banking, or technology. Achieving this level of income often requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes ownership stakes or performance-based bonuses.

Will AI replace financial analysts?

AI can automate routine tasks in the role of a Variance Analyst, such as data processing and pattern recognition, but it is unlikely to fully replace the need for human judgment, interpretation, and strategic decision-making. Financial analysts often use AI tools to enhance accuracy and efficiency, while their expertise remains essential for complex analysis and insights. The role is expected to evolve with technology, emphasizing skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and tool proficiency.

What is the difference between Variance Analyst vs Cost Analyst?

AspectVariance AnalystCost Analyst
Primary FocusAnalyzing financial variances between budgeted and actual figuresAssessing and controlling overall costs and expenses
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Finance, Accounting, or related field; CPA or CMA preferredBachelor's in Finance, Accounting, or Business; certifications like CPA beneficial
Work EnvironmentFinance departments, manufacturing, or corporate settingsFinance, manufacturing, or project-based environments
Industry UsageCommon in finance, manufacturing, and corporate sectorsUsed across industries to manage budgets and expenses

While both roles involve financial analysis, a Variance Analyst primarily focuses on identifying and explaining discrepancies between budgeted and actual financial figures. In contrast, a Cost Analyst concentrates on managing and reducing overall costs. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work within the same industries, but their specific responsibilities differ based on their focus areas.

What are top 3 skills for a financial analyst?

A financial analyst, including variance analysts, typically needs strong analytical skills to interpret financial data, proficiency in Excel and financial modeling tools, and good communication skills to present findings clearly. Attention to detail and understanding of accounting principles are also essential for accurate variance analysis and reporting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Variance Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Variance Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, a solid background in finance or accounting, and proficiency with data analysis, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with ERP systems, advanced Excel, and data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for interpreting data and presenting findings. These skills ensure accurate variance analysis, support decision-making, and help organizations control costs and improve financial performance.

What is a Variance Analyst?

A Variance Analyst is a finance or accounting professional who specializes in analyzing the differences between planned financial outcomes and actual results, known as variances. They investigate these variances to identify their causes, whether they’re due to changes in costs, revenues, or operational efficiency. Their analysis helps organizations understand financial performance, control budgets, and make informed business decisions. Variance Analysts often prepare detailed reports and communicate findings to management to support strategic planning.

What are the four steps in variance analysis?

Variance analysts typically follow four steps: identifying and measuring variances by comparing actual results to budgets or standards, analyzing the causes of these variances, investigating their impact on financial performance, and reporting findings to management for decision-making. Proficiency in data analysis tools and understanding of financial principles are essential for effective variance analysis.

How does a Variance Analyst collaborate with other departments to improve financial performance?

Variance Analysts frequently work with teams from operations, budgeting, and management to investigate the root causes of financial discrepancies. They analyze actual versus budgeted figures, prepare detailed reports, and participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss findings and recommend corrective actions. This collaboration is essential for identifying trends, controlling costs, and driving process improvements, making strong communication and teamwork skills vital for success in this role.
More about Variance Analyst jobs
Infographic showing various Variance Analyst job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,338 per year, or $34.8 per hour.
Senior FP&A Analyst

$69K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 hours ago


Job description

Diesel Laptops is seeking a Senior Financial Planning & Analysis Analyst to strengthen financial forecasting, budgeting, cash visibility, and business performance reporting.

This role will serve as a dedicated FP&A resource within the Finance organization, providing forward-looking analysis and decision support to leadership. The ideal candidate will bring strong financial modeling capability, disciplined reporting habits, and the ability to translate operational activity into clear financial insight.

This is not an accounting close position. This role is focused on planning, forecasting, performance analysis, cash flow visibility, and executive-level financial support.

Key Responsibilities

  • Build and maintain financial forecasts, budgets, and scenario models
  • Support annual budgeting, monthly forecasting, and rolling forecast processes
  • Prepare variance analysis comparing actual results to budget, forecast, and prior periods
  • Support cash flow forecasting and working capital analysis
  • Analyze revenue, margin, operating expense, and cash trends
  • Develop financial reporting packages and KPI dashboards for leadership
  • Partner with Accounting to understand actual results and improve forecast accuracy
  • Work with department leaders to validate assumptions, explain performance, and identify risks
  • Support SaaS, subscription, customer account, and revenue trend analysis
  • Provide ad hoc financial models and analysis for strategic business decisions
  • Improve FP&A templates, reporting cadence, and financial planning processes

Success in This Role

Success will be measured by improved forecast accuracy, reliable budget reporting, stronger cash visibility, timely variance analysis, and clear financial insight that supports leadership decision-making.

Position Details

Position Type: Full-Time
Classification: Exempt
Work Location: Irmo, South Carolina
Work Arrangement: In Office
Department: Finance & Accounting
Reports To: CFO or Corporate Controller, based on final structure

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or related field
  • 3 to 7 years of FP&A, corporate finance, financial analysis, or related experience
  • Strong financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis skills
  • Advanced Excel skills
  • Ability to analyze complex financial data and communicate insights clearly
  • Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and deadlines
  • Ability to partner effectively with Accounting, Operations, Revenue, and executive leadership

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in a high-growth or private equity-backed environment
  • Experience with SaaS, subscription revenue, or recurring revenue models
  • Experience with cash flow forecasting and working capital analysis
  • ERP, BI, dashboard, or reporting system experience
  • Experience preparing executive-level financial reporting packages

Core Competencies

  • Financial modeling
  • Forecasting and budgeting
  • Cash flow analysis
  • Business partnership
  • KPI reporting
  • Executive communication
  • Problem solving
  • Ownership and accountability
  • Data accuracy