Sr Financial Analyst – FP&A Full Time

Under the direction of the Manager – Financial Planning & Analysis, the Sr. Financial Analyst – Financial Planning & Analysis will assist in a variety of analysis within the Finance Organization.  This includes (but is not limited to): the budgeting, forecasting and analysis process for Equity Residential consolidated reporting, assisting in the successful closing of all Equity Residential (EQR) acquisitions and dispositions each year, assisting in the preparation of Treasury compliance packages and other analysis as needed.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Analytical. You are comfortable building models, analyzing data, forecasting, interpreting financial statements, and evaluating trends. Without a doubt, you’ve got strong quantitative skills.
• Knowledgeable.  Interest rates, debt products, and fixed income concepts are comfortable topics for you to discuss and your solid understanding of capital structure optimization and rating agency methodologies are other tools you’re comfortable engaging in.
• Strong Communicator. Your writing and speaking skills are clear and effective, demonstrating your ability to be articulate and understood.
• Organized and Accountable. You are flexible and able to juggle the needs of changing priorities of the business.
• Efficient and Effective. You handle pressure well and do so with confidence. And when a tight deadline comes up, you organize the tasks to be completed —including quality checks— and focus on how to re-prioritize your other tasks to meet the timeframe.
• A Team Player. You are known for serving as a resource and trusted business partner for internal groups.  Participating in cross-functional projects is the type of work you love.
• Technologically Savvy. You’ve got a deep knowledge of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, plus at least a basic knowledge of Bloomberg and SNL Financial.
• Passionate. Motivated. Eager to Learn.  You ask smart questions, challenge the status quo, and regularly seek to understand. You invest extra energy to reach your goals. And when a special project arises, you volunteer.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Contributes to review of annual consolidated budgets and quarterly earnings preparation to identify errors and trends.
• Reviews and summarizes financial variances and reports findings at a high level.  Identifies and communicates material variances and ongoing trends which may impact company operating performance.  Focuses on process efficiencies to help streamline and shorten reporting cycles while ensuring accuracy.  Performs independent analysis of financials and general ledger as needed.
• Responsible for accurate and timely transaction closings and the preparation of all closing statements and memos as it relates to acquisitions, dispositions, developments, and joint ventures.   This includes working with EQR Investment officers, attorneys, title companies, and buyers / sellers to ensure all EQR transaction activity closes as required.
• Forecasting and modeling for the organization, according to various planning scenarios.
• Prepares quarterly and yearly compliance packages associated with bond covenants and indentures in collaboration with our Treasury department.
• Asks critical questions, creates alternatives, reacts to changes in business conditions, and proposes actionable outcomes.
• Ad-hoc analysis and presentations.
• Represent the Company in a professional manner at all times. Consistently maintains a professional courteous attitude when dealing with residents, coworkers and the general public.
• Interacts on a daily basis with cross-functional teams including senior-level management in the Finance group (Treasury, Financial Reporting).
• Maintains confidentiality, when required, relating to any information that is meant for exclusive company use.
• Maintains policies, procedures and other documentation required to ensure compliance with Sarbanes Oxley legislation.
• Performs additional analysis, special projects, acquisitions, development, and other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Accounting, Finance, or Business.
• 2+ years of work experience in financial, analytical, and/or problem-solving roles required.
• Must have a strong understanding of finance concepts (CAGR, IRR, etc).
• Strong financial analytical skills (modeling), problem solving capabilities, as well as sound knowledge of accounting and financial reporting.
• Proven strong work ethic, ability to make decisions, and work under tight deadlines without sacrificing quality of work product.
• Detail oriented and well-organized, with an ability to multi-task and effectively prioritize various responsibilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills – able to speak and write in a clear and articulate manner.
• Team player that demonstrates flexibility and the ability to integrate and work well with others.
• Motivated to succeed with the capacity to assume increasing responsibility.
• Deep knowledge of Microsoft Excel & Word, computer w/Internet and email capabilities.

Source: Equity Residential Career Page