Job Description
At Outform Group, our guiding philosophy is Dare To Innovate.
Outform Group specializes in creating tangible consumer engagements that elevate, connect and humanize brand experiences. We unite leading experts in research, strategy, design, innovation and manufacturing, who work together to create unforgettable brand experiences.
Lean, interdisciplinary teams work in close collaboration with clients, helping them to solve their user’s biggest problems. Our user-centric, data-driven approach focuses on creating a seamless experience across different environments.
Job Summary
The Operational Finance Analyst provides day-to-day financial and analytical support to the Operational Finance team within a project-based manufacturing environment. This role supports project cost tracking, financial reporting, inventory and cost accounting activities, and cross-functional operational decision-making. The position is well-suited for an early-career finance professional seeking to build hands-on experience in operational finance and business partnering.
DIRECT REPORTS
None
SCOPE & ACCOUNTABILITY
• Support accurate tracking and reporting of project costs and margins
• Assist in maintaining integrity of operational and project financial data
• Contribute to monthly close and project financial reviews
• Support inventory, labor, and cost accounting processes under supervision
• Adhere to internal controls, accounting policies, and reporting standards
Key Responsibilities
• Assist with tracking and validating direct labor, material, and subcontractor costs by project
• Maintain organized records of project purchase orders, invoices, and cost allocations
• Prepare project profitability reports, cost summaries, and variance analyses
• Support estimate-to-actual reconciliations and budget monitoring
• Assist with percent-complete calculations and revenue recognition inputs
• Support inventory valuation, reconciliations, and cycle counts
• Reconcile project cost accruals monthly to ensure accurate cost recognition
• Collaborate with procurement, production, and project teams on cost and delivery tracking
• Participate in ad hoc financial analysis and process improvement initiatives
KEY INTERFACES (NON-REPORTING)
• Operations and Production teams
• Project Management
• Procurement and Supply Chain
• Accounting and Finance team members
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
• Accuracy and timeliness of project cost data
• Quality of variance analysis and supporting documentation
• Responsiveness during monthly close and project reviews
• Adherence to internal controls and accounting policies
• Demonstrated learning of operational finance processes and systems
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field
• 0-2 years of experience or internship experience in finance, accounting, or cost analysis
• Strong Excel skills; experience with ERP systems such as D365 preferred
• Basic understanding of project accounting, cost accounting, and revenue recognition concepts
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
• High attention to detail and data accuracy
• Strong willingness to learn and accept feedback
• Proactive, organized, and dependable
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset
• Clear communicator with the ability to explain financial information to non-finance partners
Essential Functions
Working conditions are in a normal office environment. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and work at a computer for prolonged periods. The role requires use of hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required. Minimal travel may be required.
DISCLAIMER
The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications and may be amended at any time at the discretion of the Company.
Outform Group specializes in creating tangible consumer engagements that elevate, connect and humanize brand experiences. We unite leading experts in research, strategy, design, innovation and manufacturing, who work together to create unforgettable brand experiences.
Lean, interdisciplinary teams work in close collaboration with clients, helping them to solve their user’s biggest problems. Our user-centric, data-driven approach focuses on creating a seamless experience across different environments.
Job Summary
The Operational Finance Analyst provides day-to-day financial and analytical support to the Operational Finance team within a project-based manufacturing environment. This role supports project cost tracking, financial reporting, inventory and cost accounting activities, and cross-functional operational decision-making. The position is well-suited for an early-career finance professional seeking to build hands-on experience in operational finance and business partnering.
DIRECT REPORTS
None
SCOPE & ACCOUNTABILITY
• Support accurate tracking and reporting of project costs and margins
• Assist in maintaining integrity of operational and project financial data
• Contribute to monthly close and project financial reviews
• Support inventory, labor, and cost accounting processes under supervision
• Adhere to internal controls, accounting policies, and reporting standards
Key Responsibilities
• Assist with tracking and validating direct labor, material, and subcontractor costs by project
• Maintain organized records of project purchase orders, invoices, and cost allocations
• Prepare project profitability reports, cost summaries, and variance analyses
• Support estimate-to-actual reconciliations and budget monitoring
• Assist with percent-complete calculations and revenue recognition inputs
• Support inventory valuation, reconciliations, and cycle counts
• Reconcile project cost accruals monthly to ensure accurate cost recognition
• Collaborate with procurement, production, and project teams on cost and delivery tracking
• Participate in ad hoc financial analysis and process improvement initiatives
KEY INTERFACES (NON-REPORTING)
• Operations and Production teams
• Project Management
• Procurement and Supply Chain
• Accounting and Finance team members
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
• Accuracy and timeliness of project cost data
• Quality of variance analysis and supporting documentation
• Responsiveness during monthly close and project reviews
• Adherence to internal controls and accounting policies
• Demonstrated learning of operational finance processes and systems
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field
• 0-2 years of experience or internship experience in finance, accounting, or cost analysis
• Strong Excel skills; experience with ERP systems such as D365 preferred
• Basic understanding of project accounting, cost accounting, and revenue recognition concepts
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
• High attention to detail and data accuracy
• Strong willingness to learn and accept feedback
• Proactive, organized, and dependable
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset
• Clear communicator with the ability to explain financial information to non-finance partners
Essential Functions
Working conditions are in a normal office environment. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and work at a computer for prolonged periods. The role requires use of hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required. Minimal travel may be required.
DISCLAIMER
The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications and may be amended at any time at the discretion of the Company.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Operational Finance Analyst position is now open for candidates interested in the Accountant Jobs sector. This role in Chicago offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Accountant Jobs is a plus.
