Financial Planning & Analysis Analyst

Description

At Knight Aerospace, we offer competitive pay, attractive paid time off, and paid holidays, along with a strong benefits package. Eligible employees have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, company-paid basic life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with an employer match. Optional benefit plans are also available to help employees choose coverage that fits their needs.

Position Summary:

The Financial Planning & Analysis Analyst serves as a strategic financial planning and decision-support partner to the CFO and senior leadership. This role leads the annual budgeting process; develops financial forecasts and models; and monitors financial and operational performance by comparing actual results with budgets and forecasts, analyzing variances, trends, and cost drivers, and providing actionable recommendations.

The FP&A Analyst prepares executive-ready financial reports and presentations, partners with accounting to support accurate reporting and cash flow reconciliations, guides cost-analysis practices, and improves financial processes through reporting tools, dashboards, and automation. The role also conducts relevant market, business intelligence, and valuation research to support informed business decisions and works closely with leaders across departments.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.Lead the annual budgeting process by coordinating with department leaders to gather, review, and consolidate budget assumptions and projections.

2. Develop and maintain financial forecasts and models using financial data to project revenue, expenses, cash flow, capital structure, and other key financial measures in support of business planning and decision-making.

3. Track financial and operational performance metrics and compare actual results with budgets, plans, and forecasts. Analyze historical results, perform variance and trend analyses, identify cost drivers and opportunities, and recommend improvements.

4. Prepare recurring financial reports and leadership review materials that communicate company performance, key metrics, forecasts, significant trends, and recommendations.

5. Partner with Accounting to support accurate and timely financial reporting, including cash flow reconciliations and review of relevant financial data and transactions. Perform other general accounting and finance duties as needed.

6. Guide the cost-analysis process by establishing and implementing consistent policies and procedures. Evaluate proposed changes to methods, materials, and business practices through comparative and financial impact analyses, and recommend appropriate actions.

7. Identify and drive process improvements by developing standard and ad hoc reports, tools, and Excel dashboards, and by automating reporting and forecasting processes.

8. Conduct market research and business intelligence analyses, including comparable-company research and valuation analyses.

General Expectations:

1. Communicate financial information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, tailoring the message to executive and cross-functional audiences.

2. Present financial analyses, forecasts, risks, and recommendations to the CFO and senior leadership in a concise, decision-ready format.

3. Apply sound analytical judgment and problem-solving skills to identify trends, assess financial impacts, and recommend practical solutions.

4. Demonstrate exceptional accuracy, organization, and attention to detail when managing financial data, models, reports, and deadlines.

5. Work independently, exercise sound judgment when priorities are unclear, and proactively identify issues that require leadership attention.

6. Build effective working relationships across departments and collaborate with leaders to obtain information, validate assumptions, and support business decisions.

7. Handle sensitive financial and business information with discretion, integrity, and professionalism.

8. Maintain current knowledge of relevant financial and accounting practices, business conditions, and market trends that may affect company forecasts and decisions.

Requirements

Qualifications:

1. At least three (3) years of experience in financial planning and analysis (FP&A), corporate finance, or a related field, including hands-on experience developing and coordinating budgets, preparing forecasts, conducting variance analysis, and building financial models.

2. Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting required; a degree in Economics, Business Administration, or a related field may be considered with relevant financial planning and analysis experience.

3. Ability to analyze financial data, calculate budget-to-actual variances, identify trends and cost drivers, and explain findings and recommendations clearly.

4. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to build and maintain complex spreadsheets, use advanced formulas and PivotTables, analyze large data sets, and create charts and dashboards for financial reporting. Experience with Power Query or macros is preferred.

5. Demonstrated current proficiency in financial forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, financial modeling, and advanced Excel, including PivotTables and dashboard development.

6. Demonstrated experience presenting financial analyses, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, translating complex data into clear insights that support business decisions.

Work Environment Requirements:

1. Full-time, 100% on-site position at Knight Aerospace’s facility.

2. Regular in-person meetings with the CFO, senior leadership, and department leaders to review financial performance, forecasts, and business priorities.