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What does a lead finance analyst do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Nate Peach Ph.D.

A lead finance analyst is responsible for monitoring the company's financial conditions, analyzing account statements, and resolving payment discrepancies. Lead finance analysts create expense reports and budget forecasting, as well as identifying business opportunities that would minimize loss and generate revenues for the business. They also oversee financial and business transactions, perform bank reconciliations, and manage outstanding payments. A lead finance analyst must have excellent analytical and communication skills, especially in discussing financial results to the management and recommending strategic techniques for cost-reduction activities.

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Lead finance analyst responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead finance analyst resumes:

  • Manage and train a team of twelve employees to create SQL audits to identify errors in electronic billing.
  • Develop, maintain financial models/applications (VBA Excel/Access) to automate and streamline business processes and perform financial analysis.
  • Point of contact for external audit engagements relate to preparation of GAAP audit financial statements.
  • Complete bank reconciliations on a monthly basis.
  • Post cash receipts daily, and ensure accurate reconciliation to banks and ERP system.
  • Standardize processes in preparation of ERP implementation.
  • Review and assist in preparation of account reconciliations.
  • Ensure that rent calculations and yearly escalation methodologies follow GAAP accounting rules.
  • Create complex forecasting and budgeting templates which provide different scenarios, and they include all criteria to upload to Hyperion automatically.
  • Present findings and analysis to executive level management and work collaboratively with management in decision making processes regarding the asset portfolio.
  • Recommend various treasury activities such as internal investment activity, external investments, banking relationships, cash management and investor relations.

Lead finance analyst skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of Lead Finance Analysts are proficient in Financial Analysis, Hyperion, and Financial Planning Analysis. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.

We break down the percentage of Lead Finance Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Financial Analysis, 9%

    Coordinate and perform financial analysis of Medical Center revenue and expense related to routine monthly financial filings and various special projects.

  • Hyperion, 8%

    Administered Hyperion Planning application and provided global training following implementation.

  • Financial Planning Analysis, 6%

    Provided competitive/strategic financial planning analysis vs. industry competitors from a cost perspective in revenue forecasting.

  • Ad-Hoc Analysis, 4%

    Perform Ad-hoc analysis on various initiatives to determine financial feasibility.

  • Balance Sheet, 3%

    Compiled data to generate financial statements including cash flow, P&L, and balance sheet for review by management.

  • Financial Data, 3%

    Interfaced with auditors and Technical Accounting to ensure regulatory understanding of financial data, methodology and applicability under appropriate government regulations.

"financial analysis," "hyperion," and "financial planning analysis" are among the most common skills that lead finance analysts use at work. You can find even more lead finance analyst responsibilities below, including:

Computer skills. One of the key soft skills for a lead finance analyst to have is computer skills. You can see how this relates to what lead finance analysts do because "financial analysts must be adept at using software to analyze financial data and trends, create portfolios, and make forecasts." Additionally, a lead finance analyst resume shows how lead finance analysts use computer skills: "provide financial management for eight major software development and engineering service subcontracts with (csc) computer sciences corporation. "

Analytical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling lead finance analyst duties is analytical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "financial analysts must evaluate a range of information in finding profitable investments." According to a lead finance analyst resume, here's how lead finance analysts can utilize analytical skills in their job responsibilities: "gained extensive experience and knowledge utilizing erp software and a nationwide crm database. "

Communication skills. This is an important skill for lead finance analysts to perform their duties. For an example of how lead finance analyst responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "financial analysts must be able to clearly explain their recommendations to clients." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a lead finance analyst: "key skill sets used were project management, organizational development, strategy, data analysis and communication. ".

Detail oriented. lead finance analyst responsibilities often require "detail oriented." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "financial analysts must pay attention when reviewing a possible investment, as even small issues may have large implications for its health." This resume example shows what lead finance analysts do with detail oriented on a typical day: "created detailed financial reports for corporate, line and business operations customers. "

Math skills. A commonly-found skill in lead finance analyst job descriptions, "math skills" is essential to what lead finance analysts do. Lead finance analyst responsibilities rely on this skill because "financial analysts use mathematics to estimate the value of financial securities." You can also see how lead finance analyst duties rely on math skills in this resume example: "provide detailed account reconciliations on a monthly basis, and analyze key statistics that may impact balances. "

See the full list of lead finance analyst skills

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Compare different lead finance analysts

Lead finance analyst vs. Finance planning manager

A finance planning manager oversees the budget and finance development processes within a company. Their responsibilities revolve around analyzing financial records, participating in auditing processes, producing reports and forecasts, and coordinating with different company personnel to obtain accurate data. A finance planning manager must also utilize fiscal tools, devise new business strategies and opportunities, and keep abreast of all the company's upcoming projects. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the team, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

We looked at the average lead finance analyst salary and compared it with the wages of a finance planning manager. Generally speaking, finance planning managers are paid $23,490 higher than lead finance analysts per year.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between lead finance analysts and finance planning managers are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like financial analysis, hyperion, and financial planning analysis.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, lead finance analyst responsibilities require skills like "ad-hoc analysis," "sql," "data analysis," and "financial results." Meanwhile a typical finance planning manager has skills in areas such as "business performance," "business plan," "kpis," and "analytical support." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Finance planning managers really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $112,683. Comparatively, lead finance analysts tend to make the most money in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $95,080.The education levels that finance planning managers earn slightly differ from lead finance analysts. In particular, finance planning managers are 2.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a lead finance analyst. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Lead finance analyst vs. Cost analyst

Cost Analysts are employees with a strong background in finance or accounting. They are in charge of collecting financial data and analyzing the entries. They study the company's expenses and prepare pertinent reports. Cost Analysts look for inconsistencies in the financial data. This way, they can assist in auditing the company's spending. Cost Analysts also look for inefficiencies. They do so by tracking item costs and department budgets and monitoring department expenses. They are also involved in budget-setting activities.

On average, cost analysts earn a $31,514 lower salary than lead finance analysts a year.A few skills overlap for lead finance analysts and cost analysts. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "financial analysis," "financial planning analysis," and "financial data. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that lead finance analyst responsibilities requires skills like "hyperion," "ad-hoc analysis," "balance sheet," and "essbase." But a cost analyst might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "project management," "cost models," "cost data," and "pivot tables."

Cost analysts earn a lower average salary than lead finance analysts. But cost analysts earn the highest pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $76,426. Additionally, lead finance analysts earn the highest salaries in the telecommunication with average pay of $95,080 annually.cost analysts earn lower levels of education than lead finance analysts in general. They're 9.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for lead finance analysts in the next 3-5 years?

Nate Peach Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Economics, George Fox University

I'm not sure about one specific technology, but I think some general skills will become more valuable. Specifically, being familiar with necessary coding, analyzing data, and making sense of economy broad trends will continue to be highly prized in the labor market. Economists are well-suited to help organizations attempting to get up to speed on their use of data.

Lead finance analyst vs. Finance director

A finance director's role is to oversee all financial activities and aspects of a company or organization. One of their duties is to gather necessary financial data and cultivate reports on essential matters such as revenue and budget, provide risk assessments and estimates, implement vital policies, and allocate funds within the company. Furthermore, a finance director must also devise strategies and recommend innovative methods for financial gains, while in adherence to the organization's policies and regulations.

On average scale, finance directors bring in higher salaries than lead finance analysts. In fact, they earn a $32,846 higher salary per year.Using the responsibilities included on lead finance analysts and finance directors resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "financial analysis," "hyperion," and "financial planning analysis.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, lead finance analysts are more likely to have skills like "ad-hoc analysis," "sql," "data analysis," and "essbase." But a finance director is more likely to have skills like "cpa," "payroll," "work ethic," and "oversight."

Finance directors make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $128,738. On the other hand, lead finance analysts are paid the highest salary in the telecommunication industry, with average annual pay of $95,080.When it comes to education, finance directors tend to earn similar degree levels compared to lead finance analysts. In fact, they're 1.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Lead finance analyst vs. Control analyst

A control analyst is an individual who is responsible for identifying weaknesses in the work process of an organization and implement methods to minimize risks. Control analysts are required to supervise the process for incident reports and provide technical guidance to their personnel. They must prepare monthly general ledger account analysis and balance sheets reconciliations that are according to the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Control analysts should also assist with the organization's ISO audit procedures and findings.

Control analysts typically earn lower pay than lead finance analysts. On average, control analysts earn a $16,074 lower salary per year.While both lead finance analysts and control analysts complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like financial analysis, financial planning analysis, and balance sheet, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between lead finance analysts and control analysts, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a lead finance analyst might have more use for skills like "hyperion," "ad-hoc analysis," "financial performance," and "essbase." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of control analysts require skills like "risk assessments," "internal audit," "customer service," and "strong analytical. "

Control analysts enjoy the best pay in the energy industry, with an average salary of $89,191. For comparison, lead finance analysts earn the highest salary in the telecommunication industry.In general, control analysts hold lower degree levels compared to lead finance analysts. Control analysts are 10.5% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of lead finance analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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