Financial Analyst

Financial AnalystWe are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Financial Analyst to join our finance team. In this role, you will be instrumental in supporting financial planning, reporting, and business decision-making across Swensons restaurant operations and the Support Center. This role turns financial and operational data into clear insights, investigates performance trends, and helps identify opportunities to improve profitability and efficiency. The ideal candidate is analytical, inquisitive, and comfortable using AI tools such as Claude to improve analysis and reporting.Essential Duties and Responsibilities· Prepare recurring financial reports, dashboards, and analyses that provide timely, accurate visibility into company, market, and stand performance.· Analyze actual results against budgets, forecasts, and prior periods; investigate variances and explain the underlying business drivers.· Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning by gathering inputs, maintaining financial models, and documenting assumptions.· Evaluate sales, labor, food and packaging costs, operating expenses, and margins to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.· Build financial models and scenario analyses to evaluate business initiatives, capital investments, and operational changes.· Partner with Finance, Accounting, Operations, and other departments to understand results, validate data, and develop practical recommendations.· Use AI tools, including Claude, to support data analysis, research, report development, and workflow improvement; independently validate outputs and protect confidential information.· Improve reporting processes through automation, standardized templates, and more effective use of existing systems.· Prepare clear presentations and summaries that translate detailed analysis into actionable recommendations for leadership.· Support monthly financial review and close-related analysis, reconcile reporting data to source records, and complete special projects as assigned.Required Qualifications· Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), or a closely related field.· At least two years of relevant experience in financial analysis, FP&A, accounting, or a similar role.· Hands-on experience using AI tools such as Claude in a professional or analytical setting, with the ability to develop effective prompts, critically evaluate results, and incorporate verified outputs into work.· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an inquisitive mindset and a willingness to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and investigate the reasons behind results.· Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookup functions, and financial modeling; ability to work with large datasets.· Understanding of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.· Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate, organized, and well-documented work.· Ability to communicate financial findings clearly to both financial and nonfinancial audiences.· Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, work independently, and collaborate across departments.· Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential financial and business information.Preferred Qualifications· Experience in restaurants, hospitality, retail, or another business with multiple locations.· Experience with business intelligence tools such as Power BI or Tableau.· Familiarity with accounting systems, point-of-sale data, and operational reporting platforms.· Experience with Power Query, SQL, or other tools used to organize data and automate reporting.Work EnvironmentWork involves regular computer use, financial analysis, and collaboration with Support Center and Operations teams. Periodic visits to restaurant locations may be needed to better understand operational performance.