Financial Analyst (financial planning, analysis, modeling/merchandise planning background desired)

Position Statement:The Financial Analyst is responsible for supporting the organization through ad hoc analysis and forecasting of various sales and expense components.  The person in this position is expected to make recommendations for improving business decisions that ultimately result in improved sales and profitability.  Essential Position Responsibilities·  Perform adhoc analysis and provide recommendations to management that either increase revenue or reduce expense.  ·  Analyze financial results on a monthly basis, comparing current period results to plan and prior periods. Prepare concise narratives explaining actual results and variances compared to the plan and prior periods. ·  Prepare annual plan and quarterly reforecast by division. Prepare forecasted income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, and capital budget as requested. ·  Analyze sales on a monthly basis, by department and division. Develop reports to present findings to management. ·  Evaluate business performance analysis – including price elasticity & promotional effectiveness, brand analysis, demographic analysis, category analysis and inventory analysis.·  Develop and perform proforma (ROI) analysis to support Real Estate decisions including market saturation, co-tenancy impact, occupancy costs and exit strategies for underforming stores.·  Prepare projections of sales, operating income and return on investment for new store groupings (non-mature stores).·  Evaluate capital projects to ensure proper return on investment.·  Support store operations organization in payroll hour budgeting and management.·  Develop business plans and forecasts and other financial reports as requested.·  Assist in the preparation of quarterly information package for the Board of Directors Qualifications/Skills·  Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, or Accounting.·  3+ year experience in financial planning and analysis and/or merchandise planning; demonstrated financial modeling skills ·  Budgeting and retail experience preferred.·  Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and oral and written communications skills are required·  Advanced Excel and spreadsheet reporting skills·  Experience with Oracle financials and business intelligence software skills a plus; demonstrated competence in the use of software tools for data extraction, manipulation, analysis and presentation a plus.·  Ability to work with all levels of the organization ·  Self-starter and able to work in fast-paced retail environment ·  Demonstrated ability to complete assignments within tight time constraints. Location:   Christopher & Banks Corporate Headquarters 2400 Xenium Lane North Plymouth, MN 55441 Interested Candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a resume and cover letter to:Chelsea Boyd Corporate Recruiter Christopher & Banks cboyd@christopherandbanks.com Fax:  (763) 551-5002