Financial Analyst I

The Finance Analyst is expected to establish him/herself as a “co-pilot”, along with the Project Leader (PL), in steering a set of projects to their targeted financial goals (e.g. revenue, profitability, cash flow, etc.). As such, the FA acquires an understanding of the project economics and profitability drivers. Under supervision, he/she assists in translating them into operational actions, and proactively advising the PL on how to influence critical operational levers in order to positively impact project financials. The Finance Analyst is the "go-to" person for broader Finance understanding or insight into defined projects. They interact directly with project leaders, helps set project strategy, supports project decision making, and guides future project decisions on the basis of their impact on project financial performance. The main success factors of this role include strong business acumen, strong grasp of project operations and their implications for financial performance, and strong technical, analytical and consulting skills. Finance Analyst are expected to build business relationships across all areas of the organization, drive tactical decisions, and become a trusted advisor to Project Leaders. The Finance Analyst demonstrate competency in the overall financial management of simple projects and contract types. Demonstrates understanding of limited number of business and/or service lines across Parexel focusing primarily on major services or products being provided within assigned projects and portfolio(s).

Key Accountabilities:

Analysis & Reporting

• Create accurate, transparent, and timely financial analysis to support project leadership in project decision making process; clearly articulate financial implications of business decisions / choices, and provide retrospective analysis as well as drive forward looking actions on simpler projects / contract types.
• For less complex projects facilitate the monthly revenue cycle and support project analysis requirements, including a review of units, forecast, unit prices, and revenue recognition. Ensure appropriate supporting documentation is available and that the forecast is aligned with operational plans. Complete all required variance analyses for the set of projects, with insight. Identify risks in the project forecast and opportunities to improve revenue outlook. Communicate, document and manage these on an ongoing message. Understand alternative finance scenarios within a project with a degree of technical knowledge and business acumen.
• Provide updates on financial status for assigned projects and create information in response to any client financial reporting needs for assigned projects in the area of project reporting, forecasting, or transactional details for the projects within the portfolio.

Budgeting

• For less complex projects, actively monitor the balance sheet positions of projects within the portfolio. Initiate action as needed with project teams to keep balances current, improving DSO and cash flow.
• Put steps in place with project teams to ensure pass-thrus are managed within project budgets, including appropriate to trigger change in scope as needed.
  

Metrics

Maintain, produce and communicate a relevant and impactful set of project financial metrics designed to support evaluation of financial performance consistent with the project and contract types being managed. In partnership with PLs and project teams, prepare and conduct a monthly project review of performance, operational status, and outlook. The review will focus on revenue forecast, labor and margin, billing status, assumptions, special contract items. The review should capture potential improvement opportunities and actions will be taken.

Scope of Work

Play a key role in initiating, building, and reviewing change in scope activity on assigned projects. Work with the project teams on an appropriate budget for the scope of work. Maintain/update simpler project budgets within relevant tools from post-award onwards including analysis and understanding on any subsequent changes in scope.

Resourcing

Review labor assumptions on assigned projects, both volume and mix. Build discipline in our project teams in charging time accurately. Understands project resource planning support, monitor resource levels on ongoing projects and identify and communicate project/portfolio margin implications.

Testing

As required, complete all revenue control testing, SOX or audit related.

Competencies:

General Expectations

• Work hard to understand how CRO industry works, and how their role brings value to Parexel.
• Become engrained into the Finance organization and learn how to be a part of a team.
• Be proactive about learning and delivering to the expectations of the Manager.
• Develops a sense of professionalism and how to be a member of the professional work environment.
• Develops the skill set needed for the position.

Technical Expectations

• Provides effective financial support.
• Develop skills to meet and exceed expectations of Managers & Business Partners.
• Works with Manager to build strength in analytical thought and work product.
• Develops their time and work management skills.

Communication & Partnering skills

• Begins building relationships with business partners.
• Asks questions to clarify delivery expectation of end-user.
• Learns how to effectively communicate within Finance and the broader organization.

Expected feedback from Tech & Finance leadership

• Asks good questions.
• Adapts well to the professional work environment.
• Communication skills have developed nicely.
• Developed ability to work independently.

Skills:

• Prioritizes, sets expectations and works in an efficient and disciplined manner.
• Thrives in a complex, fast-paced, matrix environment.
• Strong experience with Excel and PowerPoint applications; experience with financial performance systems (e.g., Hyperion).
• Ability to manage multiple and varied tasks with enthusiasm and prioritize workload with attention to detail.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal.

Education & Experience:

• MBA in Finance or Accounting, or relevant experience preferred.
• Qualified CA/CMA (Preferred not mandatory).
• 0-2 Years related work experience.