Job Description

Job Title: Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Specialist / Senior Accountant (with Project Management Focus) Location: Petaluma, California (Hybrid on-site and remote) Job Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and versatile Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Specialist/Senior Accountant to join our dynamic team. In a small company environment, this role is critical in bridging operational accounting with forward-looking financial insights and driving key financial projects to successful completion. You will leverage your strong accounting background to ensure financial accuracy, while also developing and maintaining financial models, budgets, and forecasts to support strategic decision-making and drive sustainable growth. This is a hands-on role requiring a proactive individual who can wear multiple hats, manage diverse financial initiatives, and contribute to various aspects of our financial operations. Key Responsibilities: Financial Reporting & Accounting Support: Assist with month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timely completion of financial statements. Perform detailed general ledger account reconciliations and analysis. Support the preparation of internal financial statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) and management reports, ensuring compliance with GAAP. Monitor and analyze actual financial performance against budget and forecast, providing variance explanations and insights. Identify and implement opportunities for accounting process improvements and efficiencies. Financial Planning & Analysis: Lead in the development of the annual operating budget, working closely with department heads to establish realistic and strategic financial targets. Prepare periodic financial forecasts (e.g., monthly, quarterly, rolling forecasts) based on historical trends, current performance, and future business initiatives. Develop, maintain, and enhance financial models to support strategic planning, scenario analysis, and investment decisions (e.g., new product launches, capital expenditures). Conduct in-depth profitability analysis by product, customer, or project, identifying areas for revenue enhancement and cost reduction. Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to our business, providing actionable insights to management. Project Management & Process Improvement: Initiate, plan, execute, and monitor financial projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and timeline. Define clear project objectives, deliverables, and success metrics for financial initiatives (e.g., new accounting system implementation, process automation, financial reporting enhancements). Develop detailed project plans, including task breakdowns, resource allocation, and dependency identification. Proactively identify and mitigate project risks and issues, developing contingency plans to ensure project continuity. Lead cross-functional teams on financial projects, facilitating effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders. Manage project timelines, track progress, and provide regular status updates to relevant stakeholders and senior management. Conduct post-project reviews and 'lessons learned' sessions to drive continuous improvement in financial processes and project execution. Identify and recommend improvements to financial systems, tools, and processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reporting capabilities. Ensure data integrity across financial systems and reports. Business Partnering & Ad-Hoc Analysis: Serve as a financial thought partner to various operational teams, providing financial guidance and analytical support for their initiatives. Prepare ad-hoc financial analyses and presentations for senior management to support specific business needs, such as pricing analysis, new market entry evaluations, or operational efficiency studies. Qualifications: ~ Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. ~3-5 years of progressive experience in accounting roles, with demonstrable exposure to or a strong interest in financial planning and analysis. ~ Proven project management skills, with the ability to define scope, manage timelines, allocate resources, and drive projects to successful completion. ~ Solid understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial statement preparation. ~ Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel is mandatory (complex formulas, pivot tables, financial modeling). ~ Experience with small to mid-sized ERP/accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks Enterprise, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Xero) is highly desirable. ~ Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze financial data, interpret results, and present findings clearly and concisely. ~ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to lead and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and manage stakeholder expectations. ~ Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in all work. ~ Self-starter with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in small team environment. ~ Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing financial challenges. Desired Attributes: A natural curiosity and desire to understand the underlying drivers of financial performance. Adaptable and comfortable taking on diverse responsibilities as the company grows. Demonstrated ability to drive initiatives forward and achieve results through effective planning and execution. High level of integrity and professional ethics.

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