Job Title: Operational Finance Analyst

Location: Chicago, IL or UNC, CA (On-site or Hybrid)

Role Overview:

The newly created Operational Finance Analyst position will provide day-to-day support to the Business Partner – Operational Finance Manager in tracking, analyzing, and reporting project costs and profitability for our bespoke, project-based manufacturing operations. This entry-level role is ideal for an early-career finance professional or recent graduate who wants to build hands-on experience in cost accounting, project financial management, and cross-functional business partnering.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Cost Tracking & Data Management

• Assist with gathering, verifying, and inputting project cost data, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Support the tracking of direct labor, material, and subcontractor costs for active projects.
• Maintain organized records of project-related purchase orders, invoices, and cost allocations.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Help prepare periodic project profitability reports, indirect operational cost analysis and income statements under the guidance of the Business Partner – Operational Finance Manager.
• Perform basic variance checks, flag unusual trends, and provide initial commentary for review.
• Contribute to estimate-to-actual reconciliations at key project milestones.
• Budget and forecasting support as needed

Operational Support

• Collaborate with procurement and production teams to monitor material deliveries and cost commitments.
• Support the preparation of percent complete calculations and revenue recognition data.
• Assist in preparing inputs for project reviews and meetings with operational stakeholders.

Process Improvement & Learning

• Participate in ad hoc cost analysis and research as requested.
• Support the documentation and streamlining of costing and reporting processes.
• Develop foundational knowledge of project accounting best practices and ERP tools.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field (or working toward completion).
• Internship or up to 2 years of experience in an accounting, cost analysis, or finance support role (experience in a project-based manufacturing or engineering environment is a plus).
• Familiarity with basic accounting principles and an interest in project costing.

Skills & Competencies:

• Technical Skills: Proficient in Excel; experience with D365 or accounting systems is a plus.
• Analytical Ability: Strong attention to detail and accuracy in working with financial data.
• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills; able to present information in a business-friendly way.
• Proactive Approach: Willingness to ask questions, learn from feedback, and take initiative.
• Team Collaboration: Cooperative and supportive; able to build effective working relationships with colleagues across departments.