Principal Financial Analyst

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The Principal Financial Analyst is responsible for leading all aspects of project financial management, ensuring the seamless financial execution of projects from award to completion. The role encompasses costing review, invoice processing, accounts receivable, budget health monitoring, and comprehensive project profitability reporting. The Analyst actively manages change orders, contributes to revenue forecasting, and provides key insights to optimize project financial outcomes.

The position may include ERP portfolio analyses, supporting financial audits, and actively participating in the professional development of the project finance team.

• Lead project financials throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring adherence to financial best practices and project profitability goals.
• Perform comprehensive portfolio analysis, leveraging data insights to optimize financial strategies.
• Monitor accounts receivable and proactively address issues to ensure timely payments and optimal budget health.
• Skillfully manage change orders, providing strategic guidance for effective financial impact assessment.
• Financially contribute to work orders, change orders, and vendor agreements by reviewing financial language and negotiating with 3rd parties as applicable.
• Play a pivotal role in revenue forecasting, utilizing financial models and data analysis for accurate projections.
• Facilitate the preparation of the monthly invoicing cycle in conjunction with the Project Manager via the ERP System which is the source document for client invoicing and source of revenue recognition.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement financial strategies aligned with project goals.
• Assist with special financial projects, including complex financial modeling and analysis.
• Support financial audits, ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Work with the Accounting Team monthly in support of the financial close.
• Represent the department in all areas of project finance, fostering collaboration and providing financial expertise.
• Assigned the most complex global studies which require extensive financial preparation, leading client meetings, providing accruals, forecasting, etc.
• Responsible for preparing and leading Sponsor, Vendor, and cross‑functional calls such as QBRs, financial discussions, and negotiation of financial contract language calls.
• Manage the financial change order process for assigned studies including reviewing change orders financially for other financial analysts.
• Contribute to the professional development of the team by training and mentoring other financial analysts.
• Collaborate with others in Finance to support overall department goals and objectives.
• Respond to inquiries from the CFO and VP, Operational Finance regarding financial results, special reporting requests, and ad‑hoc analyses relating to projects.
• Assist in the development and implementation of new procedures and features to enhance the workflow and internal controls.

• Degree in Accounting/Finance or related business field.
• Minimum of 15 years of related experience with a degree; or 12 years and a master’s degree/post‑graduate degree or CPA/equivalent; or a PhD with 8 years’ experience or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of all areas of the accounting cycle, project budgets, financial project management, project profitability, and financial contract review with the ability to connect the dots across the organization.
• Experience in the CRO industry required.
• 5%‑10% travel as required to clients and/or offices.
• MBA or CPA (preferred).
• Experience with ERP Systems.

• Strong working knowledge of the life cycle of a project with a solid foundation of how the financials and contract status impact each stage of the clinical trials.
• Advanced communication skills; able to resolve issues and build customer confidence.
• Advanced business acumen; able to see the big picture and connect the dots.
• Advanced Excel / PC skills and ability to thrive in a multi‑tasking environment.
• Strong financial and analytical skills.
• High energy and enthusiasm…