What does a program finance analyst do?
A program finance analyst is an individual who supports the execution of program financial services to ensure effective and transparent utilization of financial resources. Program finance analysts must obtain and compile information regarding the credit history of loan applicants, corporate financial statements, and other financial information. They communicate with faculty members and business administrators about the company's financial status and provide recommendations for strategic planning. Program finance analysts must also monitor the financial performance of a project and provide analysis for project managers concerning burn rates and potential overruns.
Program finance analyst responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real program finance analyst resumes:
- Develop, maintain financial models/applications (VBA Excel/Access) to automate and streamline business processes and perform financial analysis.
- Prepare monthly accounts payable accruals as well as researching and analyzing account variances.
- Provide monthly and quarterly accruals of channel programs and MDF to revenue accounting team.
- Ensure accurate forecasting in using Hyperion.
- Perform monthly contract invoicing/billings, program account reconciliations, and sales forecasting.
- Develop, maintain financial models/applications (VBA Excel/Access) to automate and streamline business processes and perform financial analysis.
- Prepare the CPR and CFSR using Artemis, and wInsight as the primary tools.
- Report, analyze, and interpret financial, operating and/or treasure information for management, financial and/or treasury analysis projects.
- Recommend various treasury activities such as internal investment activity, external investments, banking relationships, cash management and investor relations.
Program finance analyst skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Program Finance Analysts are proficient in Financial Analysis, Variance Analysis, and Program Management. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Detail oriented, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Program Finance Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Financial Analysis, 13%
Acted as a key technical expert on financial analysis issues and assisted senior personnel in establishing and defining program requirements.
- Variance Analysis, 5%
Developed, managed, and executed business and financial plans utilizing earned value measurement techniques, variance analysis and risk assessments
- Program Management, 5%
Prepared Program Management briefing reports, reconciled Program management data to monthly financial statements, and performed contract closeout audit.
- Financial Data, 4%
Ensured government understanding of financial data, cost methodology and applicability under appropriate government regulations through compelling cost volume narrative.
- Earned Value Management, 3%
Utilized full Earned Value management system with MPM software database for cost control.
- Strong Analytical, 3%
Prepared weekly cash management/short-term cash flow models, long-term financial forecasts and departmental budgets utilizing strong analytical and MS excel skills.
Most program finance analysts use their skills in "financial analysis," "variance analysis," and "program management" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential program finance analyst responsibilities here:
Computer skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a program finance analyst to have is computer skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "financial analysts must be adept at using software to analyze financial data and trends, create portfolios, and make forecasts." Program finance analysts often use computer skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "researched computer databases for tracking financial data, interviewing potential users to asses their needs. "
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling program finance analyst duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "financial analysts must pay attention when reviewing a possible investment, as even small issues may have large implications for its health." According to a program finance analyst resume, here's how program finance analysts can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "support directors providing detail program financials following internal controls, policies and procedures. "
Math skills. This is an important skill for program finance analysts to perform their duties. For an example of how program finance analyst responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "financial analysts use mathematics to estimate the value of financial securities." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a program finance analyst: "gained experience in fixed income research and quantitative analysis of treasury and high grade corporate securities. ".
Analytical skills. A big part of what program finance analysts do relies on "analytical skills." You can see how essential it is to program finance analyst responsibilities because "financial analysts must evaluate a range of information in finding profitable investments." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical program finance analyst tasks: "developed and maintained program data visibility for monthly program management reviews and monthly business management cost reviews for key leadership. "
Communication skills. A commonly-found skill in program finance analyst job descriptions, "communication skills" is essential to what program finance analysts do. Program finance analyst responsibilities rely on this skill because "financial analysts must be able to clearly explain their recommendations to clients." You can also see how program finance analyst duties rely on communication skills in this resume example: "scrutinized off-balance sheet liabilities of $22b to formulate investor relations communication strategy. "
The three companies that hire the most program finance analysts are:
- Leidos39 program finance analysts jobs
- L3Harris34 program finance analysts jobs
- ClearPlan
15 program finance analysts jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable program finance analyst resume templates
Build a professional program finance analyst resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your program finance analyst resume.Compare different program finance analysts
Program finance analyst vs. Analyst
Analysts are employees or individual contributors with a vast experience in a particular field that help the organization address challenges. They help the organization improve processes, policies, and other operations protocol by studying the current processes in place and determining the effectiveness of those processes. They also research industry trends and data to make sound inferences and recommendations on what the company should do to improve their numbers. Analysts recommend business solutions and often help the organization roll out these solutions. They ensure that the proposed action plans are effective and produce the desired results.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between program finance analysts and analyst. For instance, program finance analyst responsibilities require skills such as "variance analysis," "program management," "cost accounting standards," and "eac." Whereas a analyst is skilled in "customer service," "troubleshoot," "data analysis," and "project management." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Analysts earn the highest salaries when working in the technology industry, with an average yearly salary of $79,330. On the other hand, program finance analysts are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $62,139.On average, analysts reach similar levels of education than program finance analysts. Analysts are 1.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Program finance analyst vs. Equity analyst
An equity analyst's role is to help clients navigate through stocks and bonds using their expertise. In a company setting, their responsibilities revolve around performing extensive research and analysis on areas such as the stock market, coordinating with different departments to gather necessary data, identifying new opportunities, preparing and analyzing the company's financial records, and creating forecast models. Furthermore, as an equity analyst, it is essential to make recommendations in adherence to the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, program finance analyst responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "financial analysis," "variance analysis," "program management," and "cost accounting standards." Meanwhile, an equity analyst has duties that require skills in areas such as "securities," "portfolio companies," "real estate," and "powerpoint." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Equity analysts may earn a higher salary than program finance analysts, but equity analysts earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $125,442. On the other hand, program finance analysts receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $62,139.In general, equity analysts achieve higher levels of education than program finance analysts. They're 7.9% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for program finance analysts in the next 3-5 years?
Nate Peach Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Economics, George Fox University
Program finance analyst vs. Summer analyst
Summer analysts are people who undertake an internship within a banking institution. These professionals perform analyses of detailed financial and corporate information. They establish statistical exhibits analyzing comparative financial performance. It is their responsibility to create models illustrating projected financial results, which is of great value to the companies. The skills necessary for this job include knowledge of financial statements, equity, portfolio companies, and financial models. They should also develop due diligence, strong communication, asset allocation knowledge, and attention to detail.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from program finance analyst resumes include skills like "variance analysis," "program management," "cost accounting standards," and "earned value management," whereas a summer analyst is more likely to list skills in "capital markets," "salesforce," "risk management," and "first hand. "
Summer analysts typically earn similar educational levels compared to program finance analysts. Specifically, they're 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Program finance analyst vs. Finance professional
The primary job of finance professionals is to provide financial services using their knowledge of finance, tax laws, and accounting. These professionals typically help with corporate finance, personal finance, or both. Their duties include helping clients develop financial plans that will ensure their financial stability, developing the company's financial strategy, and forecasting corporate profits and losses. Additionally, finance professionals are responsible for negotiating credit lines, preparing financial statements, and working closely with outside auditors. To become successful in this role, you need to have strong customer service and analytical skills.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between program finance analysts and finance professionals, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a program finance analyst might have more use for skills like "variance analysis," "program management," "cost accounting standards," and "earned value management." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of finance professionals require skills like "excellent interpersonal," "strong work ethic," "financial objectives," and "financial products. "
Finance professionals enjoy the best pay in the insurance industry, with an average salary of $57,846. For comparison, program finance analysts earn the highest salary in the technology industry.In general, finance professionals hold similar degree levels compared to program finance analysts. Finance professionals are 3.2% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of program finance analyst
Updated January 8, 2025











