Financial Analyst I - Operations

ZEISS•Chesterfield, MO

6d•$65,600 - $82,000

About The Position

Are you energized by bringing clarity into complex financial landscapes and helping teams make better decisions? In this role, you will shape the performance of our operations site — working closely with external strategic partners and driving change through your insights, ideas, and drive for continuous improvement. We’re looking for a motivated, analytical, and forward‑thinking Financial Controller who strengthens our operational backbone and accelerates smarter, faster decision‑making across the site.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field; MBA/CPA/CFA is a plus.
2 years of finance experience (preferably FP&A) within healthcare, diagnostics, or manufacturing.
Affinity for production processes and shop‑floor realities.
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in modeling, forecasting, budgeting, and MS Office; SAP is a plus.
Excellent problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and strong communication skills — including translating complex data into clear messages.
Knowledge of IFRS or US GAAP; experience with tax filings or fixed assets is beneficial.
A proactive, curious mindset with a drive to simplify processes and support operational improvement.

Nice To Haves

MBA/CPA/CFA is a plus.
SAP is a plus.
experience with tax filings or fixed assets is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Lead Financial Reporting & Business Partnering Prepare and present monthly financial statements, forecasts, and operations reports to Top Management.
Conduct cost and variance analyses and turn insights into clear, actionable recommendations.
Ensure financial accuracy through journal entries, reconciliations, and compliance with ZEISS reporting standards.
Drive automation to simplify processes and streamline reporting with central Operations Finance and local partners.
Partner with Operations to implement cost‑avoidance and productivity measures.
Drive Budgeting & Performance Management Lead and coordinate the annual budgeting process across all Operations departments.
Support KPI dashboards, scorecards, and data‑driven performance discussions.
Leverage analytics tools to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
Optimize Inventory & Strengthen Operational Excellence Monitor inventory levels, turnover, and stock efficiency.
Collaborate with Supply Chain and Operations to improve inventory utilization.
Share insights and global best practices across our manufacturing network.
Identify workflow inefficiencies and recommend data‑driven improvements.