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.
