Lead Financial Analyst (Contract)

Job Title: Lead Financial Analyst (Contract) Location: Columbus, OH (Hybrid – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Onsite; Remote candidates will also be considered) Duration: August 24, 2026 – February 26, 2027 (6-Month Contract) Rate: $65 - $76/hr Employment Type: W-2 Contract Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship. Sponsorship is not available for this position, including H-1B, F-1/OPT, CPT, TN, or other employment-based visa sponsorship. Position Overview We are seeking a Lead Financial Analyst to support enterprise financial reporting, regulatory reporting, and SEC filing activities within a dynamic finance organization. This role will serve as a key contributor in preparing and reviewing quarterly and annual financial reports, supporting regulatory initiatives, analyzing financial data, and partnering with cross-functional business units to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting knowledge with financial analysis expertise, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to interpret complex financial information while driving continuous process improvements. Required Qualifications Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or another related business discipline
• CPA preferred

Experience

• 4+ years of experience in accounting, finance, regulatory reporting, or related financial roles
• Experience preparing financial statements and supporting SEC reporting (10-Q and 10-K)
• Experience working with financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and analytical reporting
• Experience utilizing Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
• Experience collaborating across multiple business functions
• Regulated utility or energy industry experience preferred

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of financial statements, accounting principles, and financial reporting
• Knowledge of SEC reporting requirements
• Financial analysis and forecasting experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to interpret accounting guidance and reporting requirements
• Experience preparing management reports and executive-level financial analyses
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other financial reporting tools

Professional Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong business partnership and relationship-building skills
• Continuous improvement mindset with strong process optimization capabilities

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA designation
• Experience in regulated utilities or the energy industry
• Experience supporting regulatory filings and rate case activities
• Experience with SEC reporting (10-Q and 10-K)
• Knowledge of regulatory finance and financial statement impacts on utility operations
• Experience supporting enterprise financial planning and analysis initiatives

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting

• Support the preparation, review, and filing of SEC Form 10-Q and Form 10-K reports
• Compile, organize, validate, and analyze financial information for internal and external reporting
• Prepare financial analyses using historical, forecasted, and pro forma financial data
• Assist with implementation of new accounting and financial reporting requirements

Financial Analysis

• Analyze financial performance, trends, and key business metrics
• Develop reports and presentations for executive leadership and business partners
• Evaluate financial data from multiple sources to identify issues, trends, and opportunities
• Support strategic decision-making through detailed financial analysis

Regulatory Reporting

• Support regulatory initiatives by preparing financial schedules, pro forma calculations, testimony support, and data requests
• Assist with analysis of regulatory filings and financial impacts
• Understand how financial reporting influences customer rates and company earnings
• Collaborate with regulatory and finance teams on reporting requirements

Business Partnership

• Partner with finance, accounting, regulatory, and business operations teams
• Build strong working relationships across departments to support financial objectives
• Provide financial guidance and reporting support to internal stakeholders
• Assist leadership in evaluating financial opportunities and business decisions

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve financial reporting processes and workflows
• Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and reporting quality
• Maintain thorough documentation supporting financial analyses and reporting activities
• Ensure workpapers and reporting documentation are complete, accurate, and audit-ready

Success in This Role

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Deliver accurate and timely SEC and financial reporting
• Analyze complex financial information and provide meaningful business insights
• Support regulatory reporting initiatives with accuracy and professionalism
• Build strong relationships with finance and business stakeholders
• Improve reporting processes through continuous process improvement initiatives
• Maintain high standards of quality, accuracy, and financial integrity