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What does a project finance analyst do?

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

A project finance analyst is responsible for analyzing the financial needs and reports of an organization's project management system. Project finance analysts review project terms and expense forecasting and identify strategies to minimize financial loss. They also resolve account discrepancies and file accurate financial statements upon the assessment of project plans, resources, and timetables. A project finance analyst must have excellent communication and analytical skills to determine potential risks and enhance the company's portfolio for business proposals.

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Project finance analyst responsibilities

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

  • Lead a reconciliations project team responsible for the implementing new systemic reconciliations replacing manual and legacy processes.
  • Develop, maintain financial models/applications (VBA Excel/Access) to automate and streamline business processes and perform financial analysis.
  • Work with the accounting team to ensure revenue recognition rules where in compliance with GAAP and internal policy.
  • Ensure that budgets are loaded into ERP properly and tie to control totals
  • Complete coursework through PeopleSoft in order to thoroughly understand each module's processes.
  • Identify and implement optimal manner of extracting, purging and transferring data from old systems to PeopleSoft.
  • Design a standard excel template to be used with Hyperion Essbase to load data into the tool more efficiently.
  • Respond to audit request from DoD audit agencies in timely manner, keeping senior leadership abreast of the process.
  • Perform all work in compliance with company policy, GAAP and Sarbanes-Oxley requirements as defined by and implement through key controls.
  • Provide program analysis support and has knowledge of DoD systems acquisitions in the technical or program area specify in task orders.
  • Participate in internal/external SOX audit testing.
  • Balance sheet reconciliations, budgetary and cost analysis & general ledger account analysis.
  • Present findings and analysis to executive level management and work collaboratively with management in decision making processes regarding the asset portfolio.
  • Formulate profitability and asset portfolio models and establish KPIs to monitor financial and business performance against establish plans.
  • Schedule production of require products and arrange delivery to ACH facility or customer.

Project finance analyst skills and personality traits

We calculated that 11% of Project Finance Analysts are proficient in Financial Analysis, Project Management, and Financial Data. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.

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

  • Financial Analysis, 11%

    Integrated operational systems between restaurant and marina subsidiaries that produced a daily financial analysis isolating each subsidiary's operational flow.

  • Project Management, 9%

    Perform project management functions within the FedEx Integrated Clearance Solutions organization, including resource scheduling, documentation and passport activities.

  • Financial Data, 4%

    Presented quarterly financial data on actual expense and variances; produced cost benefit analysis reports and created quarterly financial dashboards/models.

  • Strong Analytical, 4%

    Prepared weekly cash management/short-term cash flow models, long-term financial forecasts and departmental budgets utilizing strong analytical and MS excel skills.

  • Hyperion, 3%

    Participate in all financial areas of Hyperion Financial System, SHARP system, SAP Project Systems & Legacy Information Technology systems.

  • Financial Management, 3%

    Assist in financial management training of Program/Project Managers.

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

Computer skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a project 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." Project finance analysts often use computer skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "update various schedule (inventory, inventory in transit, inter-company, fixed assets, computer and auto leases). "

Analytical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling project 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 project finance analyst resume, here's how project finance analysts can utilize analytical skills in their job responsibilities: "developed and performed automatic data input process for international subsidiary trial balance submission from legacy systems to newly implemented baan erp. "

Communication skills. project finance analysts are also known for communication skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to project finance analyst responsibilities, because "financial analysts must be able to clearly explain their recommendations to clients." A project finance analyst resume example shows how communication skills is used in the workplace: "maintained general ledger, new account communications and account mappings to it department. "

Detail oriented. project 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 project finance analysts do with detail oriented on a typical day: "developed sql to extract data from sage mas 200 erp database for detailed invoicing and sales discount taken analysis. "

Math skills. Another crucial skill for a project finance analyst to carry out their responsibilities is "math skills." A big part of what project finance analysts relies on this skill, since "financial analysts use mathematics to estimate the value of financial securities." How this skill relates to project finance analyst duties can be seen in an example from a project finance analyst resume snippet: "performed financial and quantitative analyses of financial statements. "

Most common project finance analyst skills

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

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Compare different project finance analysts

Project finance analyst vs. Risk analyst

As a risk analyst, you will oversee the identification, assessment, and monitoring of risks that your company has been exposed to. You will evaluate financial documents, potential clients, and economic conditions to determine the level of risk in business decisions. You will be responsible for aggregating data from several sources to develop a comprehensive assessment and create reports, processes, and presentations to better present results. You are also expected to work closely with other team members to analyze and show data effectively.

The annual salary of risk analysts is $4,479 higher than the average salary of project finance analysts.Even though project finance analysts and risk 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 strong analytical in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between project finance analysts and risk analyst. For instance, project finance analyst responsibilities require skills such as "project management," "hyperion," "financial management," and "renewable energy." Whereas a risk analyst is skilled in "risk management," "risk assessments," "powerpoint," and "portfolio." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Risk analysts really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $77,608. Comparatively, project finance analysts tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $91,642.On average, risk analysts reach similar levels of education than project finance analysts. Risk analysts are 1.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Project finance analyst vs. Finance analyst-operations finance

Financial analysts are professionals who are in charge of the financial operations of businesses. The analysts analyze results, monitor variances, determine trends, and suggest management-related actions to improve corporate finances. They reconcile transactions through data comparison and correction. It is their duty to maintain the database through data input, verification, and backup. They produce presentations restating fiscal information used by supervisors, administrators, and others. This position requires skills in financial reporting, management, communications skills, and accounting qualification.

Finance analyst-operations finance positions earn lower pay than project finance analyst roles. They earn a $9,269 lower salary than project finance analysts per year.A few skills overlap for project finance analysts and finances analyst-operations finances. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "financial analysis," "project management," and "financial data. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that project finance analyst responsibilities requires skills like "renewable energy," "work breakdown structure," "financial forecasts," and "deltek vision." But a finance analyst-operations finance might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "financial operations," "data analysis," "customer service," and "co-op."

On average, finances analyst-operations finances earn a lower salary than project finance analysts. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, finances analyst-operations finances earn the most pay in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $93,042. Whereas project finance analysts have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $91,642.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Finances analyst-operations finances tend to reach similar levels of education than project finance analysts. In fact, they're 3.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for project 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.

Project 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.

On average, control analysts earn lower salaries than project finance analysts, with a $7,407 difference per year.project finance analysts and control analysts both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "financial analysis," "project management," and "financial data," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, project finance analysts are more likely to have skills like "hyperion," "financial management," "renewable energy," and "financial models." But a control analyst is more likely to have skills like "internal controls," "risk assessments," "internal audit," and "customer service."

Control analysts make a very good living in the energy industry with an average annual salary of $89,191. On the other hand, project finance analysts are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $91,642.When it comes to education, control analysts tend to earn lower degree levels compared to project finance analysts. In fact, they're 7.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Project finance analyst vs. Finance manager

A finance manager is responsible for monitoring the financial system of a company. Their tasks include handling their organization's financial status, generating cost estimates and budget goals, identifying business opportunities to increase revenues and profitability, improving financial strategies, reducing costs, analyzing account statements, processing invoice as needed, analyzing market trends, searching potential partnerships, and presenting reports. A finance manager must have excellent analytical skills and knowledge of the accounting and financial industry. They are responsible for providing the best recommendations for the organization's growth.

Finance managers average a higher salary than the annual salary of project finance analysts. The difference is about $24,369 per year.While both project finance analysts and finance managers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like financial analysis, financial data, and strong analytical, the two careers vary in some skills.While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "project management," "renewable energy," "accruals," and "pivot tables" are skills that commonly show up on project finance analyst resumes. On the other hand, finance managers use skills like cpa, customer service, work ethic, and strong work ethic on their resumes.The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for finance managers, with average annual pay of $118,926. Comparatively, the highest project finance analyst annual salary comes from the manufacturing industry.In general, finance managers hold similar degree levels compared to project finance analysts. Finance managers are 1.1% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of project 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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