What are the responsibilities and job description for the FINANCIAL ANALYST II position at Laars Heating Systems Company?
Position Summary
We are seeking a results-driven Financial Analyst with strong expertise in pricing, budgeting, and accounting to support our manufacturing operations in the water heater industry. This leadership role will oversee office financial activities and manage the accounting team, ensuring financial integrity and operational efficiency.
The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of manufacturing cost structures, inventory accounting, and financial planning, along with proven experience in people management. This role directly supervises all accounting functions, including budgeting, cost accounting, general accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and more.
Key Responsibilities
Pricing & Cost Analysis
- Develop and maintain pricing models tailored to the manufacturing and distribution of water heaters.
- Analyze product costs, margins, and market trends to support pricing decisions.
- Collaborate with sales, operations, and product teams to align pricing strategies with business goals.
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Lead the development of annual budgets and rolling forecasts for manufacturing operations.
- Monitor budget performance and provide variance analysis with actionable insights.
- Partner with production and supply chain teams to align financial plans with operational realities.
- Assist the Director of Finance and Accounting with:
- Budget proposals and supporting documentation
- Financial reviews of organizational programs and activities
- Capital asset depreciation
- Operational adjustments due to tax code changes
- Financial audits
- Regulatory reporting
Leadership & Team Development
- Collaborate with the payroll department, cost accounting, budget analysis, and property accounting/reporting.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Lead initiatives to streamline financial processes and enhance reporting accuracy.
Reporting & Strategic Support
- Prepare and present financial reports to senior leadership, including manufacturing KPIs.
- Support capital investment analysis, ROI evaluations, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Ensure financial data integrity to support strategic decision-making.
- Assist in preparing financial statements, reports, and specialized documentation.
- Coordinate financial audits and recommend procedural improvements.
- Maintain robust internal controls and financial safeguards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (CPA or MBA preferred).
- Minimum 5 years of experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and accounting within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of cost accounting, inventory management, and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
- Proven leadership experience managing teams and financial operations.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial modeling; experience with BI tools is a plus.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
Skills and Abilities
- Maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
- Analyze financial budgets, interpret data, and provide strategic recommendations.
- Organize work effectively, manage multiple projects, and set priorities.
- Establish and achieve objectives and strategies.
- Motivate teams and mentor direct reports to accomplish goals.
- Implement and promote financial best practices.
Behavioral Characteristics & Communication
- Communicate professionally and clearly with all levels of the organization.
- Answer questions directly and honestly.
- Facilitate and participate in group meetings.
- Deliver presentations with strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Adapt to changes in routine and follow established procedures.
- Challenge ideas diplomatically and constructively.
- Use experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight travel.
- Demonstrate expense control and ethical behavior.
- Embrace an open-door policy and a fun, collaborative work environment.
- Represent the company in community activities and networking groups.
- Maintain a professional appearance and positive company image.
- Commit to continuous learning and personal growth.
- Exhibit positivity and enthusiasm.
Work Environment
- Standard office environment with occasional travel.
- Work schedule frequently exceeds 40 hours per week.
Key Cultural Competencies
- Adaptability: Flexible and receptive to change.
- Approachability: Listens actively and gives undivided attention.
- Collaboration: Encourages participation to achieve goals.
- Ethics & Integrity: Upholds strong values and confronts unethical behavior.
- Personal Accountability: Takes responsibility and learns from experiences.
- Trust & Respect: Maintains high standards of reliability and openness.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
- Opportunity to lead and shape financial operations in a growing manufacturing business.
- A collaborative and innovative work environment.