Financial Analyst II - west elm

We hope you're interested in building a home with us. Even if you don't feel that you meet every requirement listed in this job description, we still encourage you to apply.

About the west elm Team
Born in Brooklyn. At home in the world. west elm has been helping customers express their personal style at home since the launch of our first catalog in 2002. Our home base is nestled down under the Manhattan Bridge in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, right above our flagship store. We are a dynamic, fast-paced brand with an exciting growth strategy. We value imagination, diversity and giving people the opportunity to explore, grow and shape our future. We look for innovative, smart and hard-working individuals who enjoy creative thinking and ingenuity. Help us carry out our mission of being a source of inspiration to our customers, creating a global community and tirelessly seeking ways to evolve our brand.

Overview of the role 

We are seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial person for the west elm's Brand Finance division. This position would be responsible for providing financial, analytical, and business support coordinating and consolidating financial inputs for short and long-term planning. Majority of focus will be applied to forecasting, analyzing, and controlling Payroll and other metrics. This individual will also gain exposure to different aspects of the West Elm Brand by developing and running ad hoc financial and operational reporting that analyzes major growth initiatives for the organization. This position reports into the Brand Finance Manager.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage and enhance operational Store Payroll models for monthly forecasts, annual budgets, and long-range plans
• Collaborate extensively with partners throughout the business and in the field to actively manage Store Payroll and other retail metrics, including preparation of hindsight analytics for executive partners
• Develop new reporting, budgeting, and financial management processes and models to enhance visibility and management of Store Payroll and other key retail metrics
• Work with Store Operations team to identify opportunities to enhance field financial accountability with systems enhancement and expanded payroll reporting tools; average hourly rate reporting, overtime management, payroll hours spend, etc.
• Become a functional expert in Workforce Management System and identify opportunities for enhanced reporting and functionality
• Perform month-end close, including expense accruals, journal entries, and P&L variance analysis with emphasis on margin and operating expenses
• Assist in the creation and distribution of daily, weekly, and monthly sales/ expense/profit performance reporting, allowing business partners to highlight key business-driving indicators
• Develop and clearly communicate insightful financial analysis to evaluate and identify business issues, risks and profitability opportunities
• Work with various Corporate leaders to examine current financial and operational processes to identify areas of opportunity
• Any other essential functions that may occur from time to time as directed by supervisor

Criteria

• 1-3 years of experience in corporate finance, accounting, or similar technical analytical role; experience in FP&A, Store Finance or Operations preferred
• Bachelor's degree required, with preference in finance, accounting, or another business-related field
• Strong understanding and application of financial analysis concepts as well as a solid knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Capacity to use rigorous logic and methods to solve problems with effective solutions
• Ability to work effectively and manage multiple projects with a high degree of ambiguity, often under tight deadlines. Strong sense of urgency and attention to detail, as well as excellent follow through, to deliver high quality work.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Advanced Excel skills are mandatory for this role. Must be a power user with financial model building skills. Comfortable with manipulating large volumes of data using macros, pivots, or lookups
• Experience with corporate computerized budgeting/accounting systems (Hyperion Essbase, Lawson, Smartview, Oracle), workforce management systems, and Access or other database management systems preferred
• Retail industry experience preferred 
• Ability to work onsite in the Brooklyn office Monday - Thursday and work remotely on Fridays.

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