Financial Analyst

Financial Analyst Department: Finance / Accounting / Audit Employment Type: Full Time Location: US - Wisconsin - Madison Description At Franklin Electric, Finance plays a critical role in driving business performance and supporting sound decision-making across the organization. As a Financial Analyst I, you will support both financial analysis and accounting activities while gaining broad exposure to the financial operations of a global manufacturing company. This entry-level role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career professional looking to develop expertise in financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, cost analysis, and accounting processes. Working closely with finance leadership and cross-functional teams, you will help provide meaningful insights that support profitability, operational performance, and strategic initiatives. Key Responsibilities Financial Analysis & Reporting Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting activities. Analyze financial results and investigate variances between actual results, forecasts, and budgets. Support forecasting, annual operating plan (AOP), and budgeting processes. Prepare recurring and ad hoc financial analyses to support business decisions. Assist in monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), profitability metrics, and operational trends. Develop reports and dashboards that improve visibility into financial and operational performance. Help identify risks, opportunities, and business trends through data analysis. Support finance leadership in preparing presentations and reporting materials for management reviews. Partner with sales organization on reporting and performance vs. incentive plans. Accounting & Financial Operations Assist with month-end and year-end close processes. Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations. Support general ledger maintenance and ensure accuracy of financial records. Investigate and resolve account discrepancies. Assist with audit requests and documentation. Process Improvement & Data Analytics Assist in improving reporting processes through standardization, automation, and enhanced data accuracy. Support initiatives focused on data quality, governance, and reporting efficiency. Leverage Excel, ERP systems, and business intelligence tools to analyze and present financial information. Contribute to continuous improvement projects that strengthen financial processes and decision-making capabilities. Skills Knowledge and Expertise Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field. 0-2 years of relevant experience, including internships or co-op experience. Understanding of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, and accounting principles. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Qualifications Internship or experience within a manufacturing environment, public accounting or other similar experience. Familiarity with ERP systems, preferably JD Edwards (JDE). Experience with Power BI, Microsoft Business Intelligence tools, or similar reporting platforms. Exposure to cost accounting concepts and inventory analysis. Progress toward CPA, CMA, or other professional certifications. Key Competencies Financial Analysis Business Partnership Problem Solving Data Analytics Attention to Detail Communication Continuous Improvement Time Management Collaboration Learning Agility #J-18808-Ljbffr