Financial Analyst - Merch

Advance Auto Parts•Raleigh, NC

11d

About The Position

The Financial Analyst supports the Merchandising organization as a financial partner, providing insights and recommendations for informed decision-making and profitable growth. The role leads forecasting and planning for sales, margin, and profitability; performs variance and root-cause analysis; supports profitability initiatives; builds financial models for product resets and merchandising strategies; and develops business cases to evaluate investments and strategic decisions. It also provides ad hoc analysis and financial support to help business leaders meet operational and strategic objectives. The position focuses on forecast accuracy, evaluating the financial impact of business decisions, identifying growth and margin opportunities, and collaborating across Merchandising, Finance, and other functions. The analyst helps balance short-term performance goals with long-term strategic objectives by translating business strategies into clear financial implications and recommendations. Additional responsibilities include advising on standard cost approaches and cost-reduction programs; providing direction and analysis on cost determination, inventory valuation, overhead allocation, joint costs, and product pricing; conducting special studies; assessing investments, acquisitions, divestitures, facilities, and processes; contributing to long-range forecasts and budgets; producing financial and industry analysis; and partnering with internal customers on performance management rhythms. The role maintains knowledge of developments in industrial technology, business, finance, and economic theory.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, or Business is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 1 year of financial and business analysis experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, AS/400, and PeopleSoft skills.
Strong analytical and organizational skills.
Ability to apply mathematical concepts, including probability, statistical inference, geometry, and trigonometry, to practical situations.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals or technical procedures.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information and respond to questions from senior management, department heads, managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a retail environment.

Responsibilities

Lead forecasting and planning for sales, margin, and profitability.
Perform variance and root-cause driver analysis, translating results into business insights and actions.
Support profitability improvement initiatives and identify growth and margin opportunities.
Build financial models for product resets and merchandising strategies.
Develop business cases and provide fact-based financial analysis for investments and strategic decisions.
Provide guidelines for standard cost approaches and establish and monitor cost-reduction programs.
Provide direction and financial analysis on cost determination, inventory valuation, overhead allocation, joint costs, and product pricing.
Conduct special studies, including make-or-buy analyses and analysis of the cost impact of proposed facilities or processes.
Identify and investigate issues related to assigned projects using accepted methodologies or recommended alternatives.
Define assumptions for analysis of investments, acquisitions, and divestitures.
Participate in developing long-range financial forecasts and related budgets, considering alternative scenarios and economic prospects.
Present verbal and written reports on economic trends, corporations, and industries.
Partner with internal customers to implement performance management rhythms.
Provide external financial information about competitors and the industry.
Deliver ad hoc analysis and financial support for operational and strategic objectives.
Maintain knowledge of developments in industrial technology, business, finance, and economic theory.