Senior Financial Analyst (Chicago)

Senior Financial Analyst – FP&A

Chicago, IL | Hybrid

A large, publicly traded global organization headquartered in Chicago is seeking a Senior Financial Analyst to join its corporate FP&A team, owning end-to-end budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting for a portfolio across corporate functions.

This is a high-visibility, analytically demanding role for a sharp, self-motivated FP&A professional who excels at financial modeling, executive storytelling, and driving process improvement in a complex, matrixed environment.

What You'll Do:

• Lead end-to-end annual budgeting and rolling forecast processes for corporate functions managing a $300M+ SG&A spend portfolio
• Deliver rigorous monthly performance reporting, variance analysis, and actionable insights — tracking cost drivers, headcount trends, and strategic savings initiative progress
• Take ownership of redesigning the SG&A cost allocation methodology to clearly identify direct versus allocated costs across the organization
• Prepare high-quality executive-ready materials including presentation slides, dashboards, and financial bridges for monthly business reviews and quarterly executive reporting cycles
• Collaborate closely with Accounting, Consolidations, and the broader FP&A community to ensure alignment of actuals, forecasts, and corporate financial timelines
• Implement continuous improvements in financial planning models and tools — leveraging AI and automation to eliminate manual redundancies and build automated validation checks
• Provide nimble ad-hoc financial analysis and support to the broader FP&A team during peak month-end and quarterly reporting cycles
• Partner directly with senior functional leaders across the organization as a trusted finance business partner

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
• 3+ years of progressive corporate FP&A experience with a proven track record in SG&A analysis and cost management
• Experience presenting financial metrics to or partnering with senior-level functional leaders
• Advanced Excel and Google Sheets skills including complex financial modeling, advanced formulas, and large data set management
• SAP or SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) experience strongly preferred
• Experience leveraging AI or advanced data tools to accelerate analysis and automate reporting workflows
• CPA or CFA designation preferred
• Exceptional time management and ability to execute clean deliverables under tight deadlines
• Strong executive communication skills — ability to translate complex variances into a clear business story

Why This Role Stands Out:

✅ High-visibility seat managing a $300M+ corporate SG&A portfolio

✅ Direct partnership with senior functional and business leaders

✅ Real opportunity to redesign cost allocation methodology and drive process transformation

✅ Strong emphasis on automation and AI-driven efficiency — not a status quo role

✅ Competitive compensation including 401(k), ESPP, medical, dental, vision, and paid parental leave

✅ Hybrid flexibility in downtown Chicago