Financial Analyst II - General Accounting

The primary responsibilities of a Financial Analyst II - General Accounting at First Quality include supporting monthly close activities by creating and entering general ledger journal entries, preparing and coordinating financial analysis projects, and conducting balance sheet reconciliations. You will also engage in intercompany initiatives to enhance financial reporting and provide detailed analytics to various departments.

To qualify for the Financial Analyst II - General Accounting role at First Quality, candidates need a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance. While not mandatory, an MBA, CPA, or CMA can significantly enhance your application. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with ERP systems like SAP are also important for success in this role.

For the Financial Analyst II - General Accounting position at First Quality, proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is essential. Experience with ERP systems such as SAP is also required as these tools are crucial for managing financial data and ensuring accurate reporting.

As a Financial Analyst II at First Quality, you will handle various financial analysis projects that include topics like financial performance analysis, rate of return, and working capital assessments. You'll also prepare budgets and forecasts while analyzing trends affecting manufacturing, sales, and overall business conditions.

First Quality is committed to protecting sensitive information and provides annual training in data privacy and security. This training is designed for employees who may come into contact with such data in their roles, ensuring that all financial analysts, including the Financial Analyst II, adhere to industry standards and regulations.

Certainly! In prior roles, I typically approached balance sheet reconciliations by first gathering all relevant data from different departments to ensure comprehensive accuracy. I would then analyze discrepancies, making sure to highlight any issues for timely resolution. My goal is to ensure our financial statements reflect our true position, which is crucial for the organization.

I'm well-versed in US GAAP principles, which are essential for ensuring compliance in financial reporting. My understanding of internal controls and best practices for documentation helps me maintain the integrity of financial data in line with regulatory requirements.

During the monthly close process, I prioritize tasks by creating a detailed checklist and timeline. This includes identifying critical deadlines for journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements, and adjusting as necessary based on team feedback and workload to ensure timely and accurate reporting.

In my previous position, I led a financial analysis project analyzing profit margins across different product lines. By collaborating with sales and manufacturing departments, I uncovered areas for cost reduction which resulted in a 15% increase in overall profitability for those lines.

I ensure financial forecasts are accurate by utilizing historical data and input from various departments. I build models that incorporate varying scenarios to anticipate change and measure assumptions against actual outcomes for continuous improvement.

I've extensively used Microsoft Excel for data analysis, alongside ERP software like SAP for financial management. These tools allow me to accurately track transactions and perform in-depth analysis efficiently.

When discrepancies arise, I promptly investigate the root cause by cross-referencing data and communicating with relevant departments. My focus is on resolving issues quickly to maintain the integrity of financial reporting and ensure transparency.

To stay updated on changes in accounting regulations, I regularly attend webinars, subscribe to industry publications, and participate in professional groups. By staying engaged with the financial community, I ensure that my practices remain compliant with the latest standards.

I tailor my communication by simplifying complex financial concepts into clear, actionable insights, often using visuals or summaries. I aim to present information in a way that aligns with their interests or concerns, enabling informed decision-making.

One of the most challenging aspects is balancing the analytical side with the communication demands of the role. It’s essential to be able to dive deep into data while also conveying that information in a digestible manner to non-financial colleagues, ensuring everyone is on the same page.