Lead Financial Project Analyst

Our client is actively seeking a Lead Project Financial Analyst to support their growing team based out of Lake Forest, IL The Lead Financial Project Analyst will serve as the primary financial lead supporting Project One and other major Global Business Platforms initiatives. This individual will be responsible for financial planning, forecasting, reporting, capitalization, vendor financial management, and governance activities across complex, multi-million-dollar transformation programs. The ideal candidate is a highly independent, self-directed professional with deep experience managing financial operations for large-scale technology and business transformation initiatives. They will work directly with program leadership, vendors, Purchasing, Finance, and Project Accounting to ensure accurate forecasting, effective financial controls, and timely execution of key financial processes. Lead development and maintenance of program budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial plans. Independently manage monthly forecasting, actuals reporting, variance analysis, and financial reconciliations. Drive month-end, quarter-end, year-end, and annual planning activities. Manage capitalization processes, capitalization requests, project closeouts, and asset tracking in partnership with Project Accounting. Serve as the primary financial point of contact for Project One and other strategic Global Business Platforms programs. Work closely with Project Accounting to support project setup, funding management, capitalization, closeout activities, and compliance requirements. Monitor vendor spend, contract commitments, forecasts, and funding utilization across multiple projects and suppliers. Prepare executive-level financial reports, funding updates, variance analyses, and governance materials for program leadership and steering committees. Identify financial risks, funding constraints, and forecasting issues and proactively drive resolution. Support audits, financial reviews, and governance activities while maintaining appropriate documentation and controls. Recommend and implement process improvements that increase financial transparency, accuracy, and efficiency. Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. ~8+ years of experience in financial analysis, project accounting, FP&A, program financial management, or related finance functions. ~ Must have demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities and stakeholder. ~ Experience supporting large-scale technology, digital, ERP, CRM, or business transformation programs ~ Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, accruals, capitalization, financial controls, variance analysis, and executive reporting. ~ Experience working directly with vendors, consulting partners, and procurement organizations on financial management activities. ~ Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including financial modeling, reporting, and data analysis. ~ Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels. Strong hands on experience with SAP SRM (Supplier Relationship Management) Capital Project Request / Capital Authorization systems Experience supporting PMOs, large transformation programs, or enterprise platform implementations. Experience managing capital and operating budgets across multiple vendors and workstreams. Familiarity with project funding governance, purchase-to-pay processes, and technology project accounting. Experience preparing financial materials for executive leadership, steering committees, and governance forums.