Financial Analyst

Howmet Aerospace is currently seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our Finance team in Hampton, Virginia.

The Financial Analyst will support the day-to-day financial and accounting activities of our manufacturing operations, with a primary focus on capital expenditure management, fixed asset accounting, inventory control, financial reporting, and compliance.

This position will work closely with Finance, Operations, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to monitor capital projects, maintain accurate financial records, strengthen internal controls, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to take ownership of processes and develop a deeper understanding of manufacturing operations.

Job responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Capital Expenditure Management: Monitor capital projects, track spending against approved budgets, review project status and timelines, and ensure compliance with capital expenditure policies and approval requirements.
• Capital Project Accounting: Maintain and reconcile construction work in progress (CWIP), partner with project managers to identify assets placed in service, and coordinate timely capitalization and project closeout.
• Fixed Asset Accounting: Support fixed asset additions, transfers, disposals, and reconciliations; maintain accurate asset records and assist with periodic fixed asset inventories and physical verifications.
• Capital Compliance & Internal Controls: Review capital expenditures for compliance with company policies, approval limits, and accounting requirements. Identify potential risks, investigate discrepancies, and follow through on corrective actions.
• Inventory Accounting & Controls: Support inventory reconciliations, physical inventory activities, cycle counts, and analysis of inventory adjustments and discrepancies.
• Month-End Closing & Reporting: Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Financial & Operational Analysis: Analyze financial transactions, spending trends, and operational results to identify variances, potential risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Spend Management: Monitor plant spending, review open purchase orders and commitments, and partner with departments to ensure accurate expense recognition and financial reporting.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Operations, Engineering, Procurement, and project managers to understand business activities, resolve financial issues, and support effective decision-making.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve financial reporting, strengthen controls, streamline processes, and leverage automation and data analytics.
• Audit & Compliance Support: Assist with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements, internal and external audits, and maintenance of appropriate financial documentation.
• Support additional accounting activities, reporting, and special projects as needed

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively across departments.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Must be able to provide documentation in the original form establishing both your identity and your employment eligibility in the U.S.
• This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully attain access to such items.

Preferred Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in accounting, finance, or a related field, including relevant internship experience.
• Previous exposure to manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, capital expenditures, or fixed asset management.
• Familiarity with general accounting principles, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems, such as SAP or Oracle.
• Experience with Power BI, Power Query, Power Automate, or similar reporting and automation tools.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to investigate discrepancies, ask thoughtful questions, and recommend solutions.
• Interest in continuous improvement, process optimization, and internal controls