Financial Specialist

Job title: Financial Specialist
Location: New Haven, CT (Hybrid schedule)
Salary range: $115K to $128K/annum
Direct hire/Full-time

Overview
Conducts financial analysis and reporting to support insurance operations, nonprofit organizations, and investment management entities. Responsibilities include expense planning, forecasting, and monitoring through analysis of financial results, identification of key variance drivers, and preparation of recurring reports for stakeholders. Partners with Finance, Accounting, and internal and external teams investigate expense activity, address inquiries, and support annual budgeting and forecasting processes within a dynamic systems environment.


Core Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Associate Director to offer comprehensive support for expense management, budget, forecasting, and other critical financial planning activities.
• Perform monthly and quarterly variance analysis on assigned expense lines, identifying key drivers of fluctuations and summarizing findings for management reporting.
• Support the development of annual budgets and periodic forecasts by analyzing trends, validating assumptions with business partners, and updating financial models.
• Collaborate with internal departments to research and resolve expense-related questions, providing clear explanations, and improving understanding of financial results.
• Work with stakeholders to identify and support accruals, including reviewing large or unusual transactions to ensure expenses are recorded in the proper period.
• Extract, analyze, and maintain financial data using applications tools such as SAP and Excel; assist in improving reporting processes and data accuracy as part of ongoing system enhancements.
• Respond to ad hoc requests and participate in projects aimed at improving financial processes, reporting efficiency, and overall expense management.
• Other duties assigned as required by business needs.

Skills Qualifications
Required:

• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy in financial analysis and reporting
• Solid analytical and financial modeling skills with the ability to interpret and explain results
• Effective organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly present financial information and recommendations
• Proven interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across various internal and external stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate and resolve variances and discrepancies

Systems/Technical Knowledge:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products, including intermediate to advanced Excel (e.g., data analysis, formulas, pivot tables); Word and PowerPoint
• Experience with large-scale ERP systems (e.g., SAP or similar) preferred
• Working knowledge of applications, supporting data, and maintenance.

Education
Required:

• BS in Accounting or Finance
• 3-5 years insurance industry experience or equivalent combination of training and experience