Financial Analyst - Merch

Advance Stores Company•Raleigh, NC

10d

About The Position

The Financial Analyst supports the Merchandising organization as a financial partner, providing insights and recommendations to support informed decision-making and profitable growth. The role leads forecasting and planning for sales, margin, and profitability; conducts variance analysis; supports profitability improvement initiatives; builds financial models for product resets and merchandising strategies; and develops business cases for investment opportunities and strategic decisions. The analyst also provides ad hoc analysis and financial support to help business leaders meet operational and strategic objectives. The position focuses on maintaining forecast accuracy, evaluating the financial impact of business decisions, identifying growth and margin opportunities, and collaborating across Merchandising, Finance, and other business functions. It requires translating business strategies and complex analysis into clear financial implications and recommendations, communicating effectively, and influencing stakeholders with data-driven insights. The role also provides guidance on standard cost approaches and cost-reduction programs; conducts root-cause and cost analyses; supports long-range forecasts and budgets; and presents financial information about economic trends, companies, competitors, and industries. A bachelor's degree in Economics, Finance, or Business and at least one year of financial and business analysis experience are required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Retail experience is preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Economics, Finance, or Business, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least one 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 to practical situations, including probability, statistical inference, geometry, and trigonometry.
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 public.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a retail environment is preferred.

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 analysis to evaluate investment opportunities and strategic decisions.
Provide ad hoc analysis and financial support for business leaders' operational and strategic objectives.
Provide guidelines for standard cost approaches used in business decisions and establish and monitor cost-reduction programs.
Provide direction to functional counterparts and operating and senior management on cost determination, inventory valuation, overhead distribution, joint costs, and product pricing issues.
Conduct special studies, including make-or-buy analyses and evaluations of the cost impact of proposed facilities or processes.
Identify and investigate issues related to assigned projects by selecting appropriate methodologies or alternatives.
Define assumptions for quantifying and analyzing investments, acquisitions, or 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, individual corporations, and industries.
Partner with internal customers to implement performance management rhythms.
Provide external financial information on competitors and the industry.
Maintain knowledge of developments in industrial technology, business, finance, and economic theory.