Senior Financial Performance Analyst

We are currently seeking a Senior Financial Performance Analyst for a temporary 14- month contract.

Under the direction of the Senior Manager, Financial Performance, this role plans & performs budgeting, forecasting, and complex financial analysis, acts as gatekeeper in monitoring financial performance at the corporate, regional, and portfolio level, including the quality of budget and forecast reporting and is responsible for advanced and complex analytical work. The Senior Financial Performance Analyst conducts regular financial performance analysis and makes recommendations. This role contributes to the creation of an environment that supports teamwork, collaboration and the achievement of results within the department.

Here's what would be included as a part of your typical day

1. Financial Analysis & Reporting: Conducts regular financial performance analysis and reporting, including financial statement analysis, margin analysis, portfolio analytics, economic analysis, competitive insights, dashboard and report development, strategy support and financial modeling; monitors actual performance against budget and provides actionable recommendations to improve financial performance through implementation of financial performance metrics and updated guidance to business units.
2. Modeling: Assists with developing and implementing appropriate financial modeling and forecasting to support the organization's strategic goals, enhancing the capability for internal modeling of financial outcomes, margin, balance sheet projections, capital, liquidity, and non-interest income.  Assists with execution of the rolling monthly budgeting and forecasting processes, and develops insights to aid in the gathering of updated forecast assumptions.
3. Profitability Analysis: Regularly perform advanced profitability analysis, with the development and implementation of analytical tools and reporting related to concepts such as funds transfer pricing, risk adjusted return on capital (RAROC), and margin variance analysis.  Maintain line of sight into the profitability profile of multiple dimensions within the organization, including corporate, regional, portfolio, product, and member.
4. Budgeting & Forecasting: Assists with the planning and managing of the annual budget and monthly margin and capital forecast process for the organization and the production of summary-level financial performance reporting for the First West Leadership Team and Board of Directors; partners with the Treasury, Pricing, Accounting, Risk Analytics and Business Performance teams to research and resolve budget or forecast variances. Contributes to internal service excellence in the production, quality and timeliness of internal reporting by assisting with inquiries from business units and seeking improvements to reporting and budgeting processes.
5. Relationship Building: Liaises and builds trusted working relationships with internal stakeholders, providing financial advisory services and analytics; and serves as primary Finance resource for business units across the organization, including Treasury, Pricing, Accounting, Risk Analytics, and Enterprise Insights.
6. Leadership: Provides consultation and advice to the Finance Business Partners and their analysis regarding budget, forecast, and financial performance queries; mentors Financial Analysts and advises finance staff in all areas relating to budgeting, forecasting & financial performance analysis.
7. Strategic Projects: Provides support and assistance with strategic projects including but not limited to, mergers, enterprise systems, business transformation, and federal continuance; and acts as a subject matter expert in the area of financial performance analysis.

Required Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance or in a related field required
• CFA or CPA required, or working towards completion
• 5 years' experience in an analytical finance role within a service-oriented financial services organization is preferable, along with demonstrated proficiency in complex financial analysis and problem solving required
• Takes responsibility for self-development and continuous learning to achieve required knowledge for the role
• Self starter, able to proactively apply knowledge and experience to develop and conduct appropriate analysis needed with minimal supervision
• Able to use knowledge and experience to advise on best practices for analytical work required to fulfill accountabilities of the role
• Strong analytical ability, able to work through large data sets and discover insights
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to operate in a team environment with a focus on collaboration
• Demonstrates the intellectual capacity to manage multiple sources of diverse and complex information, and applies knowledge and experience to resolve issues
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and balance multiple responsibilities and competing deliverables
• Well-developed ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of Finance theory, profitability analysis, financial modeling, corporate planning processes and budgeting/forecasting systems experience
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerBI, and PowerPoint
• Previous experience with Oracle systems an asset
• Comprehensive knowledge of all components within the budget and forecast process which includes core margin, funds transfer pricing, financial products, and non-interest income.
• Comprehensive knowledge of organizational structures and systems as they integrate or contribute to the budget & forecast process 
• Displays an understanding of risk and risk ownership by being able to demonstrate adherence to policies and procedures.