What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Analyst position at Bay State Milling Company?
ABOUT BAY STATE MILLING:
Bay State Milling is a family-owned company with a strategic intent to support the growth of the next generation of grain-based foods in North America by providing the leading array of plant-based ingredients. Since 1899, we have proudly provided exceptional quality flour and grain products, and we continue to build on our legacy as we bring new supply chains and technologies into our realm of capabilities. Our Core purpose is to provide food ingredients to promote the growth of healthful and affordable food choices for the consumer.
We recognize that the universe of grain-based foods is constantly changing and responding to consumers’ desire for variety, healthfulness, great taste and affordability in their food choices. We are not afraid of change; in fact, we believe that change cultivates opportunity. Our goal is to stay a step ahead of our customer’s needs, while always maintaining the trust they have placed in us for generations. We are committed to maintaining our Core Values of INTEGRITY, QUALITY, CREATIVITY, CARING, and COLLABORATION in pursuit of achieving this goal.
SUMMARY
The Financial Analyst is a key member of the Wheat Flour Milling business segment finance team. This role supports the month-end financial close process, provides financial analysis, and helps identify areas of concern related to manufacturing expenses, product margins, and operational efficiencies. The Financial Analyst will work closely with the Business Segment Controller, finance team, and plant personnel to ensure financial data accuracy and assist in decision-making processes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Performs recurring monthly financial close processes that require standard monthly journal entries, ensuring accuracy and adherence to accounting principles.
- Reconcile balance sheet accounts to ensure financial integrity and resolve discrepancies.
- Enter data into month-end reports, identifying and highlighting areas of concern for further review.
- Generate reports for manufacturing locations, assisting in the identification of cost concerns and inefficiencies related to manufacturing expenses.
- Support the finance team by running reports to analyze and identify issues surrounding product margins.
- Ensure raw material and finished goods are costed properly and product margins are accurately reflected.
- Assist in variance analysis related to cost fluctuations, materials, and manufacturing variances.
- Provide ad hoc financial reporting and analysis as needed to support management decision-making.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather relevant data and insights to support financial analysis.
- Adhere to Bay State Milling’s policies and procedures regarding financial reporting and compliance.
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- S. in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Economics.
- 2 years of accounting or finance experience, preferably in an agricultural processing or manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of debits and credits, journal entries, and balance sheet reconciliations.
- High proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Experience with Microsoft AX or other ERP systems is a plus.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and communicate financial concerns.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial data analysis.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate across departments.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
· Ability to build trust-based relationships and demonstrate strong interpersonal communication skills.
· High standards of accuracy, organization, and precision in financial reporting.
· Strong ethical standards and integrity in handling financial data.
· Ability to adapt to changing business needs and support continuous improvement initiatives.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
English fluency is essential. Must have strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to respond to either common and sensitive inquiries or complaints from internal and external customers. High attention to detail and a keen eye for esthetics.
MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTER SKILLS
Competency in Spreadsheet and Word Processing software required (Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint windows applications preferred). The ability to adopt emerging technology resources is a plus. The ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations is essential.
REASONING ABILITY
Must possess acumen and judgment in business situations, with ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES
PHYSICAL DEMANDS the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to sit or stand. The Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is generally exposed to a nonmanufacturing, office type environment and minimal exposure to noise, dust, and industrial type machinery.