Sr. Financial Analyst

SM Energy Company•Denver, CO

2d•$136,000 - $194,250

About The Position

The Financial Analyst will be embedded within the DJ BU and support its budgeting, forecasting, and reporting cycle. The role contributes to monthly accruals and reconciles actuals to forecasts across the business unit. Key focus areas include coordinating production, capital, and expense forecasts with the planning team for submission to FP&A; performing detailed reconciliations to budget and guidance; and leading recurring management reporting. The position requires strong Excel and data visualization skills, along with the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with departments and stakeholders. The role also supports monthly accounting entries, maintains the accuracy of DJ BU data in the forecast model, leads quarterly business unit reviews, and responds to stakeholder requests for financial and operational information. It identifies and supports process and reporting improvements, tracks operating costs, and improves visibility into Asset Retirement Obligation (ARO).

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or finance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 5 years of experience in oil and gas finance, planning, or accounting.
Strong understanding of upstream production operations and LOE drivers, gained through production engineering, production operations, or finance roles working closely with field teams.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word, with advanced Excel skills.
Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to build and maintain models and dashboards that translate large, detailed data sets into clear, actionable insight for management.
Ability to work independently and effectively within a team.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present to leadership and communicate with diverse audiences.
Attention to detail and consistent accuracy and precision in deliverables.
Strong organizational and time-management skills to plan and complete work by established deadlines.
High integrity, ethical standards, and a strong work ethic.
Critical-thinking skills to analyze complex problems, assess perspectives, and develop solutions that support decision-making and organizational efficiency.
Self-starter who identifies and completes needed work without being instructed.

Nice To Haves

MBA.
Upstream experience.
SAP and Hyperion experience.
WellView experience.
Comfort using AI tools, such as Claude, to speed up analysis and reporting.
Experience with reserves, planning, or forecasting software.
Power BI experience.

Responsibilities

Support and coordinate monthly, quarterly, and annual production, capital, and expense forecasts with the planning team for submission to Corporate Planning (FP&A).
Coordinate monthly accounting entries—including Capex, LOE/WOE, and Production/Revenue accruals—with the E&P Accounting team.
Reconcile monthly actuals in detail to budget, guidance, and prior-month estimates.
Build and maintain a live dashboard that enables management to review actuals versus forecast, identify missing forecasts, and provide guidance based on monthly findings.
Maintain the accuracy of DJ BU data in the forecast model by validating incoming actuals, reconciling differences across teams, correcting known issues, and working with source-system owners to address root causes.
Lead the quarterly DJ BU review.
Work with the JIB Accounting team to ensure allocations are properly maintained.
Prepare DJ BU inputs for the Investor Relations Guidance presentation and review content for accuracy.
Respond to stakeholder requests regarding DJ BU financial and operational data.
Identify, recommend, and lead or assist with implementing process and report improvements within the DJ BU.
Support tracking and visibility into DJ BU operating costs.
Improve understanding and visibility into Asset Retirement Obligation (ARO).
Perform other duties as assigned.