Lead Analyst - Cost Analytics

The Lead Analyst is primarily responsible for supporting a team dedicated to Margin and Cost Accounting for Lowe's US operations. The principle purpose of the Lead Analyst is to work with Leadership in delivering impactful data driven analytics support to the Business team. This position is responsible for following analytical best practices, accurately reporting and analyzing results and identifying insights for decision making. A substantial amount of technical knowledge is needed to support the various user requests and special projects.

This is accomplished utilizing advanced tools and methods to leverage various financial data. A goal of this position is to streamline processes through automation and enhancements of existing business processes. To accomplish this, the Lead Analyst must be proficient in MS Access, MS Excel, VBA, Macros, Teradata SQL Assistant etc.

The Lead Analyst will collaborate directly with various areas of Finance and other areas of the Business in order to ensure Inventory, Revenue and Margin are reported accurately both from an Operational and Financial perspective.

Essential and Core Responsibilities:

Essential Responsibilities:

• Understands retail analytics and works effectively under the guidance of a Sr. Analyst and/or Lead Analyst to deliver impactful data driven analytics insights/recommendations.
• Communicates observations and/or insights to the Sr. Senior Analyst and/or Lead Senior Analysts to help prepare analyses through leveraging multiple data sources.

Core Responsibilities:

Practices self-leadership and embraces the culture of constant learning. A quick learner and a passionate problem solver.

Competencies Needed:

Do not edit Core Competencies. Those listed below are core for selection of Managers of Process / Level 4 IC's.

Functional Competencies

Knowledge of Report Development Tools and Software- Knowledge of report development tools and software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, SAS, MicroStrategy/DART or other Business Intelligence reporting tools, SQL query writing, or other business reporting software): ability to use multiple tools to build sophisticated reports.

Analytical Thinking- Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis and the ability to determine the root cause of business problems and create alternative solutions that resolve the problems in the best interest of the business, e.g. Python, R etc.

Business Acumen- Understanding of business concepts, tools, and processes that are needed to perform regular analysis.

Financial Analysis- Knowledge of and ability to read, interpret and draw accurate conclusions from financial and numerical material.

Hypothesis Testing- Builds and/or validates recommendations based on sound methodology, data gathering, and data analysis; uses data driven conclusions and decisions to provide solutions.

Core Competencies

Being Organizationally Savvy The ability to maneuver well to accomplish work within their own function. This includes the ability to build and grow a network of partnerships, develop an understanding of formal and informal decision-making processes, and leverage knowledge of functional and cross-functional operations to accomplish work objectives.

Communicating Effectively The skill to write, present, and listen effectively.

Demonstrating Personal Flexibility The ability to demonstrate resourcefulness and resilience in the face of change, obstacles, and adversity. This includes adapting to competing demands and shifting priorities. This also includes improving adaptability, pursuing new skills and knowledge, and regularly seeking feedback from others.

Getting Organized The ability to use organizational skills for purposes of planning and effective project execution.

Keeping on Point The ability to quickly prioritize mission-critical from less important or trivial work activities. This includes sensing what the next most useful thing is to work on, and focusing on the critical few tasks that add value while putting aside or delaying the rest.

Understanding the Business Knowledge of practices and technology affecting his/her business and organization. This includes knowledge of industry-specific business operations and how to evaluate different business propositions. This also includes the ability to quickly learn and embrace new methods and technologies.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's/Bachelors Degree in Finance, Accounting, Analytics, or Business

8+ years of experience in financial analytics/Reporting working directly with business teams

Financial/Business Acumen and good understanding of Accounting, Finance and Costing

Self-motivated, strong leadership skills and excellent verbal/written skills

Ability to Lead a group of Senior Analyst/Analysts

Expertise in SQL databases and the ability to write queries/procedures to summarize data distributed across different sources/tables

Advance Excel experience including Macros and MS Access

Experience with business intelligence and reporting tools, preferably in Power BI

Experience working with multiple stakeholders across locations

Exposure to ETL tools is an added advantage