Description
At Franklin Electric, Finance plays a critical role in driving business performance and supporting sound decision-making across the organization. As a Financial Analyst I, you will support both financial analysis and accounting activities while gaining broad exposure to the financial operations of a global manufacturing company.
This entry-level role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career professional looking to develop expertise in financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, cost analysis, and accounting processes. Working closely with finance leadership and cross-functional teams, you will help provide meaningful insights that support profitability, operational performance, and strategic initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Analysis & Reporting
- Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting activities.
- Analyze financial results and investigate variances between actual results, forecasts, and budgets.
- Support forecasting, annual operating plan (AOP), and budgeting processes.
- Prepare recurring and ad hoc financial analyses to support business decisions.
- Assist in monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), profitability metrics, and operational trends.
- Develop reports and dashboards that improve visibility into financial and operational performance.
- Help identify risks, opportunities, and business trends through data analysis.
- Support finance leadership in preparing presentations and reporting materials for management reviews.
- Partner with sales organization on reporting and performance vs. incentive plans.
Accounting & Financial Operations
- Assist with month-end and year-end close processes.
- Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations.
- Support general ledger maintenance and ensure accuracy of financial records.
- Investigate and resolve account discrepancies.
- Assist with audit requests and documentation.
Process Improvement & Data Analytics
- Assist in improving reporting processes through standardization, automation, and enhanced data accuracy.
- Support initiatives focused on data quality, governance, and reporting efficiency.
- Leverage Excel, ERP systems, and business intelligence tools to analyze and present financial information.
- Contribute to continuous improvement projects that strengthen financial processes and decision-making capabilities.
Skills Knowledge and Expertise
- Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field.
- 0-2 years of relevant experience, including internships or co-op experience.
- Understanding of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, and accounting principles.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or experience within a manufacturing environment, public accounting or other similar experience.
- Familiarity with ERP systems, preferably JD Edwards (JDE).
- Experience with Power BI, Microsoft Business Intelligence tools, or similar reporting platforms.
- Exposure to cost accounting concepts and inventory analysis.
- Progress toward CPA, CMA, or other professional certifications.
Key Competencies
- Financial Analysis
- Business Partnership
- Problem Solving
- Data Analytics
- Attention to Detail
- Communication
- Continuous Improvement
- Time Management
- Collaboration
- Learning Agility