**Job Title:** Principal Financial Analyst
**Department:** Corporate Finance / FP&A / Treasury / Investment Analysis
**Location:** [City, State] – Hybrid / Remote eligible
**Reports to:** Director / VP of Financial Planning & Analysis (or CFO)
**Level:** Senior / Principal (Non-managerial leadership role)
### Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled **Principal Financial Analyst** to serve as a strategic partner and subject-matter expert to senior leadership. This role will lead complex financial modeling, strategic scenario analysis, capital allocation decisions, M&A evaluation, and long-range planning initiatives. The Principal Financial Analyst will drive actionable insights, influence multi-billion-dollar decisions, and mentor junior team members while maintaining hands-on analytical excellence.
### Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain sophisticated, dynamic financial models (DCF, LBO, merger models, 3-statement integrated models, Monte Carlo simulations, etc.) to support strategic initiatives, investments, and M&A transactions.
- Lead annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and multi-year strategic planning processes in collaboration with business unit leaders.
- Perform valuation analyses, capital structure optimization, ROI/IRR calculations, and sensitivity/scenario planning for major capital projects and acquisitions.
- Partner with C-suite and business unit leaders to evaluate organic/inorganic growth opportunities, pricing strategies, and resource allocation.
- Conduct industry benchmarking, competitive intelligence, and peer group analysis.
- Own preparation of Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team materials (monthly/quarterly financial reviews, investment memos, etc.).
- Drive process improvement and automation of financial reporting and modeling tools (Excel → Python/Alteryx/Tableau/Power BI as needed).
- Mentor and develop senior and staff analysts; serve as the go-to expert on complex technical accounting/finance topics.
- Support Investor Relations, Treasury, and Corporate Development with ad-hoc analyses.
### Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field (MBA or CFA strongly preferred).
- 8–12+ years of progressive experience in corporate finance, FP&A, investment banking, private equity, management consulting, or equity research.
- Expert-level Excel and financial modeling skills (ability to build models from scratch with minimal errors under tight deadlines).
- Advanced proficiency in valuation techniques (DCF, comparables, precedent transactions, etc.).
- Strong working knowledge of GAAP/IFRS and financial statement analysis.
- Experience presenting complex financial concepts to executive leadership and Board members.
### Preferred Skills & Experience
- Proficiency in BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) and scripting (Python, SQL, VBA) a strong plus.
- Prior experience in [specific industry, e.g., Technology, Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Energy, etc.] highly desirable.
- Proven track record supporting M&A transactions, capital raises, or major strategic projects.
- Demonstrated ability to influence decisions in a matrixed organization.
### Key Competencies
- Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills
- Intellectual curiosity and business acumen
- Strong executive presence and communication (written & verbal)
- Ability to thrive in ambiguity and manage multiple high-priority deliverables
- Detail-oriented while maintaining big-picture perspective
### Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary: $150,000 – $210,000 (depending on experience and location)
- Annual bonus: 20–40%
- Long-term incentives (RSUs / equity) for qualified candidates
- Comprehensive health benefits, 401(k) match, flexible PTO, etc.
