Project Finance Analyst (Smartsheet Experience Required)

Job Summary

The Project Finance Analyst is responsible for supporting the financial planning, analysis, and reporting of project-based initiatives. This role ensures projects remain financially viable by managing budgets, forecasting costs, and analyzing financial performance. The analyst collaborates with cross-functional teams and leverages tools such as Smartsheet to track project progress, automate reporting, and improve data visibility.

Project Finance Analysts play a critical role in evaluating project feasibility, identifying risks, and providing insights that support strategic decision-making and successful project execution.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Perform detailed financial analysis, including cost modeling, forecasting, and cash flow projections.
• Develop and maintain project budgets and monitor actual performance vs. forecast.
• Conduct variance analysis and recommend corrective actions for budget deviations.
• Evaluate project profitability, ROI, and financial feasibility.

Project Monitoring & Reporting

• Track financial performance across multiple projects and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Prepare financial reports, dashboards, and presentations for stakeholders
• Monitor key financial metrics (cost, revenue, margin, utilization).

Smartsheet & Data Management

• Use Smartsheet to:
  • Track project budgets, timelines, and financial KPIs
  • Build dashboards and automated reports
  • Manage workflows and project documentation
  • Improve collaboration and visibility across teams
• Integrate Smartsheet data with Excel or ERP systems where needed

(Note: Specific Smartsheet usage varies by organization; the above reflects common industry practice rather than a single cited source.)

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify financial risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and financial policies
• Support audits and maintain proper financial documentation

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with project managers, finance teams, and business leaders to align financial strategies with project goals.
• Present financial insights and recommendations to senior management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
• 2 5+ years of experience in financial analysis or project finance
• Strong financial modeling, forecasting, and analytical skills
• Proficiency in Excel and financial systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with Smartsheet (required)
• Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in project-based industries (construction, IT, energy, consulting, etc.)
• Familiarity with project lifecycle management and financial controls
• Certifications such as CFA, PMP, or similar (optional)

Key Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadline
• Advanced reporting and data visualization skills
• Experience with workflow tools (Smartsheet, Power BI, Tableau preferred)

Tools & Technologies

• Smartsheet (core requirement)
• Microsoft Excel (advanced level)
• ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.)
• Financial modeling tools and reporting platforms

Success Metrics (KPIs)

• Accuracy of forecasts and financial reports
• Project budget adherence
• Timeliness of reporting and insights
• Risk identification and mitigation effectiveness
• Stakeholder satisfaction and decision support quality