Sr. Financial Analyst

We are looking for an experienced Sr. Financial Analyst to provide financial planning and analytical support for research and development activities across multiple business areas in Burnsville, Minnesota. This Long-term Contract position will focus on budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and delivering insights that help leaders make informed operating and investment decisions. The role also contributes to project financial oversight, spending visibility, and ongoing improvements in reporting accuracy and efficiency.

Responsibilities:

• Lead financial planning activities for R&D functions across three business units, including annual budgets, periodic forecasts, and ongoing performance analysis.
• Monitor research and development expenditures, oversee cost distribution methodologies, and support the financial evaluation of capital-related work and strategic initiatives.
• Produce recurring monthly financial reports, investigate performance gaps against plan, and summarize key takeaways for management review.
• Use enterprise planning and analytics platforms to maintain forecasting models, reporting outputs, and decision-support analysis.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, automate recurring reporting tasks, and improve the quality and reliability of financial data.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and business leadership to support planning cycles, project reviews, and financial decision-making.
• Perform additional analysis and contribute to special assignments based on evolving business priorities.
• At least 5 years of experience in financial planning and analysis, corporate finance, or a related financial analysis role.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with strong capability in financial modeling and detailed data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, forecasting, variance review, and management reporting.
• Background supporting capital investments, cost allocation processes, or research and development finance activities.
• Strong analytical thinking, sound problem-solving ability, and proven effectiveness in cross-functional partnership.
• Industry experience within manufacturing or distribution environments is preferred.
• Ability to adapt quickly, work with limited oversight, and succeed in a dynamic, fast-moving setting.
• Experience using automation, AI-enabled tools, or process improvement methods to enhance finance operations is highly desirable.