Commercial Finance Analyst

Our client, a leading name in the CPG sector, is seeking a sharp, data-driven Commercial Finance Analyst for an immediate 3-month contract with the possibility of extension. In this dynamic role, you will serve as a key support mechanism for the Commercial Finance team, transforming raw data into actionable commercial insights. This position requires a blend of exceptional technical capability (Excel/SAP), agility to handle fluctuating weekly priorities, and a foundational understanding of commercial finance mechanics within the fast-moving consumer goods landscape.

Key Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Performance Tracking Generate, maintain, and distribute standard weekly and monthly commercial financial reports, including sales performance, volume/mix tracking, and portfolio profitability. Develop responsive, ad hoc reports to evaluate promotional effectiveness, customer-level profitability, and SKU performance. Ensure all commercial dashboards are updated accurately and distributed on time to support leadership decision-making.

Data Consolidation & Integrity Management Gather, synthesize, and reconcile vast data sets from disparate sources (including ERP systems, internal financial databases, and trade management platforms). Streamline complex data flows to ensure to improve data visibility and reduce reporting cycle times for the commercial team. Commercial Variance & Margin Analysis Perform rigorous variance analysis comparing actual performance against budget, forecast, and prior year targets.

Identify and investigate key financial drivers behind revenue and margin fluctuations, highlighting anomalies or trends in price, volume, and product mix. Assist in evaluating Gross-to-Net (GTN) elements, including trade spend, promotional discounts, and deductions to identify potential margin erosion. Cross-Functional & Ad Hoc Decision Support Provide flexible, day-to-day analytical support to the broader commercial finance and sales operations teams as business priorities shift.

Assist with data gathering and modeling for the upcoming rolling forecast or strategic planning cycles as required. Qualifications & Skills Experience: 2–4 years of progressive finance experience, with a heavy preference for individuals who have worked within a CPG, retail, or manufacturing commercial finance environment. Advanced Excel Skills: Mastery of Microsoft Excel is mandatory.

Candidates must be highly comfortable handling large data sets and utilizing advanced functions (e.g., XLOOKUP/Index-Match, nested formulas, advanced Pivot Tables, and Power Query) to manipulate data efficiently. Systems Knowledge: Prior hands-on experience navigating SAP (or a similar major ERP system) is highly preferred. Agility & Autonomy: Proven capability to ramp up rapidly in a new environment with minimal oversight.

Must possess the organizational skills to manage a flexing, non-linear weekly workload effectively. Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate smoothly across a hybrid work model (in-office Mon–Thu, remote Fri) and translate complex data points into clear summaries. #J-18808-Ljbffr