Senior Financial Analyst

Cognex is the global leader in the exciting and growing field of machine vision, with annual revenue of $1 Billion.  We are a financially strong international company with a culture that maintains the fast-paced, creative environment of a startup.  Our employees, proudly called “Cognoids,” take their work seriously but don't take themselves seriously.  Our Work Hard, Play Hard, Move Fast culture recognizes our employees for their innovation, perseverance, and hard work in a fun and rewarding environment. 

We value in-person team collaboration while offering a hybrid work schedule.

The Team:

The Finance team has strong business partnerships and influence throughout the company.  We drive financially informed decisions in support of the company’s strategic objectives.  We are investing in advanced analytics capabilities to enhance our data-driven approach to problem solving.  We are focused on process improvement to provide the most efficient transactional support for our customers, vendors, and employees.  The Finance leadership team has a proven track record of talent development.  We invest in our team members and partner with them on their career development by offering a wide range of opportunities, including mentorships, special project assignments, training programs, and executive exposure. 

The Role:

Cognex is looking for a Senior Financial Analyst to join the FP&A team to support the IT, Finance, and Corporate functions. A key function of this role is performing financial analysis, planning and reporting of the business. The successful candidate will have strong finance, accounting and analytical skills, solid business judgment, and thrive in a fast-paced work environment. The Senior Financial Analyst role provides a great foundation for career growth.

Essential Functions:

• Partner with the IT, Finance, and Corporate business leaders to prepare the annual expense budget and quarterly expense forecasts

• Analyze month end department expense results for the global departments and prepare appropriate journal entries to ensure expenses are recorded properly.

• Provide objective analytical support to influence and reinforce expense decisions.

• Prepare month end variance explanations for the Management Financial Package and Responsibility P&Ls.

• Continuously look for opportunities to improve existing processes and procedures.

• Perform ad-hoc financial analysis as needed and seek out and create new opportunities for financial analysis for G&A functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong qualitative and quantitative skills, with demonstrated experience using data to drive decision making

• Prior experience working with tight deadlines and demonstrated responsibility for accuracy and timeliness for work performed

• A team player with the ability to work independently as well as cross-functionally

• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills. Must be able to convey information to all levels of the organization in a clear, focused, and concise manner

• Excellent Microsoft Excel experience required; SAC & SAP experience is a plus

• Process improvement focus

Minimum education and work experience required:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in either Finance or Accounting is required

• 3+ years of financial planning and analysis preferred.

• Experience supporting global expense planning preferred