ASSOCIATE RETAIL FINANCE ANALYST / RETAIL FINANCE ANALYST

Note : Incumbent may progress non-competitively to a Merchandise Financial Planner position, NF-04 / 4B, upon completing qualification requirements and training within a 2 year timeframe; advancement is not permitted with less than 1 year in the current position.

Job Summary : Assist higher-level Merchandise Financial Planner with developing and implementing financial plans, including sales inventory and profit. Assists with monitoring sales and profit results and may provide recommendations to achieve financial goals.

Duties and Responsibilities :

Performs the following in the capacity of an assistant.

• Develops the retail merchandise fiscal financial budget goals and procedures, working closely with buyers and inventory planners.
• Applies knowledge of merchandise planning and analysis to perform monthly financial reviews. Identifies trends, potential growth opportunities, and areas of concern; develops and monitors action plans for the merchandising departments and the e-commerce web store.
• Manages the financial planning process for their areas of responsibility within the Merchandise division.
• Responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the order approval and open-to-buy process relating to sales and inventory for their retail merchandise categories.
• Develops, implements, and performs analysis of special projects. Plans, prepares, controls, and completes management projects and related correspondence related to the merchandising financial planning tools.
• Prepares communication to the field relative to sales, inventory, and gross profit analysis.
• Responsible for supervision and training of their direct reports, Financial Planners, and schedules work; prepares performance reviews; selects, approves, and recommends associate hiring / promotions and other personnel actions.
• Works under the supervision of a Senior Merchandising Financial Planner who establishes deadlines and indicates the scope of responsibility. Incumbent receives a minimum charge, carries out the mission independently, and exercises initiative and judgment in resolving problems and executing assignments. Carries out duties by established methods, procedures, and guidelines.
• Carries out a policy of courtesy and service. Recognizing the importance of attention required in a retailing and service organization, he exercises tact, good manners, and courtesy when working with fellow associates and external customers.
• Tactfully responds to inquiries and assists in a prompt, friendly, and professional manner.

Performs other duties as assigned.

The incumbent of this position must file a Financial Disclosure Report (OGE) Form 450, as required.

Selection at the NF4A level requires a total of 5 years of experience consisting of the following :

GENERAL EXPERIENCE : 3 years of experience in administrative, professional, or other responsible work that enabled the applicant to gain knowledge of retail merchandising and procurement practices; demonstrated skill in dealing with others in a business environment; and the ability to analyze problems and recommend practical solutions using sound judgment.

OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE : 1 year of academic study above the high school level may be substituted for 9 months of experience, up to a maximum of a 4 years bachelor's degree for 3 years of general experience.

AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE : 2 years of experience in the following : Procurement practices, methods, and procedures; Developing and managing an open-to-buy system; Developing seasonal financial plans; Preparation of inventory projections; Monitoring and maintenance of sales, inventory levels, and stock turns; Review and analysis of sales, inventory and profit trends; Database / spreadsheet software applications; Supervisory responsibility of human resources, etc.

Selection at the NF4B level requires a total of 6 years of experience consisting of the following :

GENERAL EXPERIENCE : 3 years of experience in administrative, professional, or other responsible work that enabled the applicant to gain knowledge of retail merchandising and procurement practices; demonstrated skill in dealing with others in a business environment; and the ability to analyze problems and recommend practical solutions using sound judgment.

OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE : 1 year of academic study above the high school level may be substituted for 9 months of experience, up to a maximum of a 4 years bachelor's degree for 3 years of general experience.

AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE : 3 years of experience in the following : Procurement practices, methods, and procedures; Developing and managing an open-to-buy system; Developing seasonal financial plans; Preparation of inventory projections; Monitoring and maintenance of sales, inventory levels, and stock turns; Review and analysis of sales, inventory, and profit trends; Database / spreadsheet software applications; Supervisory responsibility of human resources, etc.