Junior Financial Analyst

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.