Compensation Analyst

How will this role impact First Command?

The Compensation Analyst supports the analysis, administration, and ongoing enhancement of advisor and employee compensation programs. This role balances strong operational execution with independent analytical responsibility, partnering with internal stakeholders to ensure compensation accuracy, compliance, competitiveness, and operational efficiency. The Compensation Analyst contributes to incentive and recognition program support, recurring and ad hoc analytics, system enhancements, and continuous improvement efforts while developing deeper expertise in compensation program design, governance, and financial impact analysis.

What will the employee do in this role?

Compensation Analysis & Program Support

• Analyze advisor and employee compensation plans, identifying trends, anomalies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support evaluation and refinement of commission structures and incentive programs to align with business objectives and market practices.
• Prepare ongoing and ad hoc compensation analyses, including earnings scenarios, performance impacts, and participation metrics.
• Partner with senior analysts and management on compensation initiatives, plan changes, and program rollouts.

Data, Reporting & Systems Management

• Build, maintain, and enhance compensation reports and dashboards using Power BI, Power Query, Excel, and SQL.
• Perform regular data validation and reconciliation to ensure compensation accuracy and integrity across systems.
• Assist with compensation system enhancements, including documenting requirements, user testing, and validation of results.
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting efficiency, automation, and internal controls.

Advisor Inquiry, Operations & Recognition Support

• Serve as a point of escalation for complex advisor compensation and recognition inquiries, researching root causes and recommending solutions.
• Support advisor recognition programs through performance tracking, benchmarking, reporting, and operational coordination.
• Partner with HR, Advisor Operations, and Accounting to ensure accurate execution and communication of compensation and recognition programs.

Governance, Compliance & Forecasting

• Interpret Advisor Agreements, SOPs, and plan documents to ensure accurate application of compensation and recognition rules.
• Support internal and external audit requests by preparing documentation, analysis, and responses.
• Partner with FP&A by providing data inputs and validation for compensation forecasts and budget models.
• Ensure adherence to data governance standards and protection of sensitive compensation and PII data.

Training, Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Assist with training and onboarding of compensation team members and cross-functional partners.
• Document processes, controls, and reporting logic to support consistency and scalability.
• Participate in special projects and cross-functional initiatives requiring analytical and operational expertise.

What skills and qualifications do you need?

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Human Resources, Accounting, Business, or a related field required.

Work Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in compensation analysis, financial analysis, HR analytics, payroll, or a related analytical role.
• Experience supporting sales-based or incentive compensation programs preferred.

Certifications

• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or progress toward certification is a plus.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•  Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau preferred.
• Working knowledge of Power Query and SQL; ability to manipulate and analyze large, complex datasets preferred.
• Experience with compensation or HR systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, CIQ) preferred.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and technical communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex compensation topics.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-management skills; ability to work effectively across teams and with business partners.
• High level of professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment.
• Curiosity and continuous-learning mindset with a desire to expand compensation, technical, and business expertise