OPERATIONS FINANCIAL ANALYST in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania at Longwood Gardens

As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While

Longwood is seeking an Operations Financial Analyst to serve as a key business partner to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the Guest Services & Operations team, supporting informed decision-making through financial analysis, forecasting, performance reporting, and operational insights. Embedded within the daily operations of the organization, this role helps translate business activity into clear financial understanding and actionable recommendations that drive operational efficiency and resource stewardship.

Working closely with leaders across COO-led teams, the Operations Financial Analyst plays an important role in connecting operational performance with financial outcomes. In partnership with Finance, Strategy, and IT, this individual supports reporting, planning, and performance management processes that advance Longwood’s strategic and operational objectives. Specific responsibilities include:

▪ Supporting the COO and operational leaders through financial analysis, reporting, and business insights that strengthen decision-making and accountability

▪ Leading and supporting forecasting, budgeting, and performance management activities across multiple operational departments and business functions

▪ Analyzing revenue, labor, operating expenses, margins, productivity, and other key performance indicators to identify trends, risks, and opportunities

▪ Translating financial and operational data into actionable recommendations that improve business performance, resource allocation, and operational discipline

▪ Partnering with department leaders to support labor planning, expense management, productivity initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts

▪ Contributing to the development of business cases, financial models, and analyses for new programs, capital investments, and operational enhancements

▪ Partnering with Finance to ensure accurate reporting, variance analysis, budgeting processes, and alignment of financial information across departments

▪ Collaborating with Strategy and IT to enhance dashboards, reporting tools, and performance metrics that improve visibility and operational insights

▪ Building strong relationships across operational teams while maintaining a visible presence and deep understanding of business needs and priorities

▪ Supporting the adoption of financial processes, reporting standards, and performance management practices that improve consistency, compliance, and operational effectiveness

We are seeking a collaborative and analytical professional with a strong financial foundation and a passion for operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess:

▪ A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Hospitality Management, or a related field

▪ A minimum of 3 years of experience in finance, FP&A, accounting, operations analysis, or business control, preferably within a complex guest-facing environment

▪ Strong understanding of business operations across hospitality, attractions, retail, restaurants, events, membership organizations, cultural institutions, or similar public-facing environments

▪ Demonstrated ability to analyze labor, revenue, margins, cost of goods, operating expenses, productivity metrics, and other key business drivers

▪ Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, variance analysis, and operational performance management processes, including KPI development and tracking

▪ Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with financial systems, dashboards, business intelligence tools, and presentation software preferred

▪ Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain financial concepts and data to operational and departmental leaders

▪ A collaborative and hands-on approach with the ability to build strong relationships and influence outcomes across teams and functions

▪ Resourcefulness, sound judgment, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while remaining closely connected to operational needs

▪ Passion for mission-driven organizations, with an appreciation for gardens, hospitality, guest experience, and supporting teams in delivering exceptional service

Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us