Principal Financial Analyst

Job Summary:

The Operations Principal Finance Analyst provides strategic financial leadership to the operations teams for our Ardin Hills and Vadnais Heights facilities, focusing on cost optimization, inventory management, and performance reporting. This role is a key finance partner for operations to problem solve accounting and finance challenges as they arise including, but not limited to manufacturing costing, profitability analysis, and analyzing and reporting on trends, variances, deviations from budget and forecast. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operations FP&A & Performance Management

• Lead the annual operating plan (AOP) and monthly/quarterly forecasts for COGS, manufacturing variances, absorption, labor productivity, yield/scrap, freight, and overhead.
• Develop and maintain standard reporting packages (month-end ops review, KPI dashboards).
• Build driver-based models for throughput, OEE, capacity utilization, and labor efficiency; translate ops metrics into financial impact.
• Provide financial leadership on continuous improvement initiatives; quantify savings and ensure controlled realization to P&L.

1. Plant Finance, Cost Accounting & Inventory Control

• Oversee inventory valuation and integrity (cycle counts, physicals, reserves, obsolescence, slow-moving analysis).
• Ensure accurate and timely WIP accounting for engineered-to-order/project-driven builds
• Support in physical inventory and/or cycle count programs, drive count accuracy and compliance.

1. Capital & Project Finance

• Build financial cases for CapEx (ROI, IRR, NPV, payback); validate assumptions (throughput, scrap reduction, labor avoidance, maintenance savings).
• Track CapEx spend vs. budget, commissioning timelines, and benefits realization to P&L; escalate risks and variances.
• Support NPI/NPD and engineering initiatives with cost modeling, make-vs-buy, and lifecycle margin impacts.

1. Supply Chain & Procurement Finance

• Partner with supply chain to track and forecast raw material cost inflation

• Analyze inbound/outbound freight & logistics cost drivers; recommend mode-optimization and footprint changes

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1. Business Partnering & Leadership

• Serve as the finance business partner for our Ardin Hills and Vadnais Heights operations team
• Coach operations leaders on financial literacy; translate financials into operational action plans.
• Provides cross-functional support to broader finance and operations teams during peak periods

Qualifications: 

Education:

• Bachelor's degree (B. A./B.S.) in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or other analytical business degree from four-year college or university or equivalent work experience.
• CPA or CMA preferred, but not required

Experience: 

• 7-10 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in financial analysis.
• Manufacturing industry experience preferred
• Solid understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and GAAP; exposure to project/WIP accounting a plus.

Skills:

• Technology - Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook & PowerPoint; very strong Excel. Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills. Exposure to Epicore and Planful a plus
• Working Habits - Self-motivated and able to work independently and collaboratively. Must be able to multi-task, manage time well and meet critical deadlines.
• Communication - Excellent interpersonal & communications skills, both verbal and written; strong organizational skills.

EEO Statement

Forj Medical provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Employment Requirement

Must be authorized to work in the United States. 

Compensation and Total Rewards Package

The salary range for this position is outlined below under "Job Details" and is dependent upon the individual's skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable employment laws. Beyond base salary, Forj offers a competitive Total Rewards Package. We offer health, dental, vision, 401K plans, and time off programs. You may also be eligible to participate in an annual bonus program which depends on various factors, including, individual and organizational performance.