Financial Analyst

Job Purpose

The Financial Analyst provides foundational analytical and operational support to the Finance organization, with a focus on financial planning & analysis, and treasury activities. This role is responsible for preparing financial analyses, supporting forecasting and reporting processes, and performing treasury operations duties. The analyst assists with related accounting tasks to ensure accurate, timely financial data. This role develops core finance and accounting skills while contributing to accurate financial data and effective cash management, financial controls, and planning activities.

Core Responsibilities

Note: This list is not all-inclusive.

Financial Analysis & Forecasting

- Compile, validate, and organize financial data to support cash forecasts, budgets, and recurring financial projections.

- Assist with preparation of forecast inputs, supporting schedules, and variance explanations.

- Perform variance analysis (actual vs budget/forecast) and summarize results for management and senior analysts.

- Assist in preparing periodic reporting packages or dashboards for internal stakeholders.

- Support operating expense and capital expenditure analysis and forecasting.

Treasury & Cash Operations

- Monitor daily cash activity and assist with maintaining adequate liquidity for operational needs.

- Prepare short-term cash flow forecasts and assist with variance tracking and sensitivity analysis.

- Support daily cash positioning activities, including internal fund transfers and payment preparation.

- Assist with routine bank account administration, documentation, and updates.

Treasury Accounting & Reconciliations

- Prepare and analyze monthly treasury-related journal entries including debt and equity activity, dividends, cash activity, investments, and other treasury items.

- Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations for treasury accounts and investigate reconciling items.

- Assist with bank reconciliations and help resolve routine discrepancies in cash receipts or disbursements.

Reporting & Internal Controls

- Prepare recurring treasury and financial reports, including cash position summaries and supporting schedules.

- Ensure all assigned tasks comply with internal controls, SOX requirements, and company financial policies.

- Support internal and external audit requests by gathering documentation and responding to routine inquiries.

Process & System Support

- Follow established financial processes and procedures to maintain data accuracy and consistency.

- Assist with system testing, documentation updates, and minor enhancements related to treasury or financial planning systems.

- Identify data issues or process issues and escalate opportunities for improvement to senior team members.

Behavioral Competencies

In addition to MGE’s Core Competencies

- Financial Acumen – Demonstrates foundational understanding of financial statements, cash flows, and accounting principles.

- Manages Complexity – Organizes financial data, follows defined processes, and completes analyses with guidance.

- Ensures Accountability – Delivers accurate, timely work products and follows through on responsibilities.

- Collaborates – Works effectively with finance, accounting, and business partners to support shared goals.

- Plans and Aligns – Manages tasks and deadlines to support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial forecasting and reporting cycles.

- Data Literacy – Interprets financial data and identifies key drivers and trends.

Skills

- Financial analysis and basic forecasting techniques (working knowledge)

- Understanding of accounting fundamentals, journal entries, and reconciliations (working knowledge)

- Strong Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, lookups, and data validation (intermediate)

- Ability to learn and work with ERP, financial planning, or treasury systems and reporting tools (basic to intermediate)

- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy (intermediate)

- Clear written and verbal communication skills for internal stakeholders (working)

Education

- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related business field required.

Experience

- 0–2 years of experience in financial analysis, accounting, treasury, or related finance areas. Internship or cooperative education experience in finance or accounting preferred.