Financial Analysis Consultant - Financial Reporting

Provides management with an analysis and insight of the Bank’s financial results in coordination with the broader Finance team.  Conducts advanced research and analysis projects independently for financial analysis and reporting and/or accounting applications. Provides comprehensive advice and options to senior management in an expert capacity for use in setting and realizing strategic objectives.  Supports and monitors progress on projects that improve financial analysis, reporting, and/or accounting processes and results. Develops and maintains relationships with key partners and senior management to influence behavior and decision making.

• Work with senior managers to identify emerging opportunities to improve the organization’s efficiency in achieving internal and external reporting deliverables; work with business partners to design and implement best practices to improve adherence to financial regulations and ensure compliance with organizational standards and procedures for record keeping and internal and external reporting.
• Create internal or external financial reports and meet with Finance team to clearly summarize financial trends and provide insight to senior management. Advise on directional strategy and provide guidance on significant business and product decisions, relevant accounting considerations and/or financial and regulatory reporting objectives.
• Conduct process analysis, identify significant inefficiencies and their root causes and lead streamlining workflows, implement changes effectively and monitor outcomes; work with business partners to define high level business requirements and criteria for success.
• Promote the importance of accurate record keeping and reporting.
• Lead creation of the Bank’s internal and external financial reports and work with Finance teams to provide a summary of financial and regulatory reporting and accounting trends and insight to senior management.
• Develop improved financial departmental tools and processes independently.
• Participate in the development and implementation of various Finance department projects.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of analysis and reporting and independently convey findings to senior management.  Complete detailed and interpretative financial analyses utilizing complex financial tools independently to demonstrate scenarios and activities.
• Coach and develop less experienced staff for sustainable bench-strength and resource planning.
• Demonstrate expert-level knowledge of financial and regulatory reporting and accounting concepts through the aggregation and presentation of financial data and in-depth analysis of accounting and/or financial and regulatory reporting issues and concepts.
• Display an expert-level understanding of the Bank's financial statements, including awareness of key drivers and trends in major balance sheet and income statement line items and applicable GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), and various regulatory reporting standards (as applicable).  Provide expert guidance and support of the implementation of new GAAP, SEC and/or regulatory reporting standards and guidance.
• Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite.  Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
• Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

May have indirect supervisory and development responsibilities of team through professional leadership

Bachelor's degree and a minimum 9 years’ accounting, auditing, operations, and/or financial institutions experience, or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 13 years’ higher education and/or work experience, including a minimum of 9 years’ accounting, auditing, operations, and/or financial institutions experience

Experience providing financial accounting and reporting analysis in support of monthly, quarterly, and annual internal and external reporting

Strong understanding of GAAP and financial and regulatory reporting guidance applicable to the banking industry

Detail-oriented

Advanced problem-solving skills

Advanced verbal and written communication skills

Advanced degree

Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or other pertinent professional certification      

Broad and comprehensive understanding of theories and practices in finance and accounting within the banking industry

In-depth knowledge of the banking industry

Experience in financial and regulatory reporting, accounting, and/or financial planning and analysis within financial services