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What does a program finance analyst do?

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

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.

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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. "

All program finance analyst skills

The three companies that hire the most program finance analysts are:

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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.

If we compare the average program finance analyst annual salary with that of an analyst, we find that analysts typically earn a $15,753 higher salary than program finance analysts make annually.Even though program finance analysts and analysts are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require financial analysis, financial data, and earned value management in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

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.

Equity analyst positions earn higher pay than program finance analyst roles. They earn a $46,461 higher salary than program finance analysts per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Program finance analysts and equity analysts both require similar skills like "financial data," "financial performance," and "cash flow" to carry out their responsibilities.

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

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.

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.

On average scale, summer analysts bring in higher salaries than program finance analysts. In fact, they earn a $9,583 higher salary per year.program finance analysts and summer analysts both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "financial analysis," "financial data," and "strong analytical," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

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.

Finance professionals tend to earn a lower pay than program finance analysts by an average of $1,703 per year.While their salaries may vary, program finance analysts and finance professionals both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "financial analysis," "financial data," and "strong analytical. "

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

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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