Financial Analyst – Operations

ZEISS Group•Chesterfield, MO

About The Position

The Financial Analyst – Operations will support the performance of a ZEISS operations site by bringing clarity to complex financial information and helping teams make informed decisions. The role partners with upper management, external strategic partners, business colleagues, and local and central Finance teams to improve financial and operational performance. The position leads financial reporting and business partnering, prepares and coordinates budgeting and performance management, and helps optimize inventory and operational processes. It also identifies opportunities to automate finance workflows, including through analytics and AI, and shares insights and best practices across the manufacturing network.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
Two years of finance experience, preferably in FP&A, within healthcare, diagnostics, or manufacturing.
Affinity for business and production processes and shop-floor realities.
Strong analytical skills and proficiency in modeling, forecasting, budgeting, and MS Office.
Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex data into clear messages and recommendations.
Knowledge of IFRS or US GAAP.
Proactive, curious mindset and drive to simplify processes and support operational improvement.

Nice To Haves

MBA, CPA, or CFA.
SAP experience.
Experience with tax filings or fixed assets.

Responsibilities

Prepare and present monthly financial statements, forecasts, and reports to upper management.
Conduct cost and variance analyses and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
Prepare journal entries and reconciliations and ensure accuracy in accordance with ZEISS reporting standards.
Drive automation to simplify processes and streamline reporting with central Finance and local partners.
Partner with business colleagues to implement cost-avoidance and productivity measures.
Prepare and coordinate the annual budgeting process across departments.
Support KPI dashboards, scorecards, and data-driven performance discussions.
Use analytics tools to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
Implement automation and AI to simplify finance processes.
Monitor inventory levels, turnover, and stock efficiency.
Collaborate with Supply Chain and Operations to improve inventory utilization.
Share insights and global best practices across the manufacturing network.
Identify workflow inefficiencies and recommend data-driven improvements.