Sr. Financial Analyst, Transportation

The Sr. Financial Analyst (Assoc. Manager), Transportation, is responsible for providing support in all financial matters to the Manager and Director of Transportation and Logistics.  Specific responsibilities include but not limited to the following:Prepare and present freight cost variance drivers at month-end meetings to the Atlanta management team. Prepare month-end logistics report including both detailed financial analysis and written analysis for the management team. Lead all Freight technology enhancement projects.  Determine ways to streamline the complex data exchanges in the freight area.  Evaluate methods to translate operational data into product data so that different areas of the company can make informed decisions. Oversee the payment process for all freight operations.  In particular, establish a close working relationship with our third-party bill processor and A/AP to ensure that payment policy guidelines are adhered to.  Conduct periodic audit of payments made by carrier to ensure compliance to contracts. Readiness to act as back-up for the Financial Manager -- Logistics Finance position. Have a complete understanding of the cost generating processes in the Transportation area.  Use this understanding to make compelling, fact-based recommendations that will be supported by the various teams in the company. Have extensive daily interactions with a large constituency both within the company and externally including manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, domestic and international transportation companies, customers, Supply Chain Finance, Financial Planning, IT, and the third-party freight bill processor. Provide financial analysis for the logistics cost impact of restructuring projects currently underway. Play a leading role in the creation, analysis, and explanation of the freight budget and freight spending estimates. Develop the brand budget at the SKU level and provide the brand groups with insights on the nature and direction of freight costs for sound financial decision making and to increase the likelihood that savings initiatives are realized. On a monthly basis, provide senior management with a detailed financial position for transportation spending including analyses of variances and recommendations for improvement. Informally supervise the Freight Payments Coordinator and, from time to time, temporary employees. Review and analyze balance sheet and profit and loss transactions for transportation and distribution costs to ensure completeness, validity and accuracy. Provide internal and external auditors with the explanations of reported financial results.  Ensure continuing compliance to SOX requirements. Develop ad hoc reporting for the Logistics operations team and provide financial data to support "what if" scenarios. Assist the Logistics Operations team to measure cost savings at the brand and SKU level for suggested cost savings programs.

BS/BA degree is required. BS/BA degree in Accounting or Finance is strongly preferred. A minimum of 5 years of work experience in either Accounting or Finance is required. CPA or MBA is strongly preferred. Sound analytical and decision-making skills are preferred as well as effective communication abilities (oral and written) are required. Effective Team and relationship building skills are preferred. Demonstrated understanding of Logistics/ Inventory Management is required. MS Windows applications and the aptitude for other computer systems is preferred, working knowledge of SAP is strongly preferred. Successful candidate should be geographically mobile for next assignment (domestic or possibly, globally) Must be willing and able to work in Atlanta, Georgia. The ability to travel up to 10% is required.