What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Financial Analyst position at The American Legion?
GENERAL SUMMARY:
The Financial Analyst supports the financial management, reporting, and strategic planning functions of The American Legion National Headquarters. This position plays a vital role in ensuring the organization’s financial health, transparency, and accountability align with its not-for-profit mission of serving veterans, their families, and communities.
The Analyst will provide in-depth budgeting, cost, and financial performance analysis across programs and divisions. The Analyst will leverage data analytics and visualization tools such as Power BI to support informed decision-making by national leadership. The ideal candidate brings strong technical proficiency, analytical rigor, and an understanding of nonprofit finance, including restricted funds, grants, and programmatic cost allocation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Budgeting & Forecasting:
Develop, manage, and monitor annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with division directors; provide ongoing forecasts and variance analysis to ensure fiscal discipline and alignment with The American Legion’s strategic objectives.
- Financial Reporting:
Prepare and present accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, dashboards, and reports for executive management, commissions and committees and division; ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit reporting standards.
- Cost Analysis & Program Evaluation:
Conduct detailed cost and benefit analyses of programs, events, and initiatives to measure impact and financial efficiency. Provide recommendations for optimizing resource allocation.
- Modeling & Scenario Planning:
Develop advanced financial models—including Monte Carlo simulations and sensitivity analyses—to evaluate funding strategies, investment scenarios, and long-term sustainability.
- Data Visualization & Analytics:
Build and maintain Power BI dashboards that integrate data from Dynamics 365 and other financial systems to deliver real-time insights into performance metrics, membership trends, and fund utilization.
- Internal Collaboration:
Partner with Finance, Development, Programs, and Operations teams to ensure timely, accurate financial planning and reporting. Provide analytical support for grants, scholarships, and trust-fund activities.
- Process Improvement:
Enhance financial processes and reporting automation within Dynamics 365 to improve accuracy, efficiency, and decision support for leadership and governance bodies.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP (reports directly to): National Treasurer
MINIMUM SKILLS REQUIRED FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Education/Technical Knowledge:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Data Analytics, or a related field is required.
- An advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
- Strong skills in Power BI, Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, data modeling), and familiarity with Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations.
- Experience with Monte Carlo simulations or other probabilistic modeling tools (e.g., @Risk, Python, or similar platforms).
- Knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles.
Additional Skills Needed:
- Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
- Ability to communicate complex financial data clearly and effectively to non-financial audiences.
- Strong initiative, integrity, and a commitment to supporting The American Legion’s mission.
Experience:
- Proven experience in financial reporting, cost allocation, and variance analysis.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in financial analysis, budgeting, or FP&A, preferably within a not-for-profit or association.