Business Analyst

Global Accountancy Practice; Scotland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Business Analyst to enhance operations and processes. This role involves analyzing accounting workflows, implementing software solutions, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will possess strong accounting knowledge and technical skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel and SQL, and will communicate insights effectively across teams. Competitive salary and growth opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of core accounting principles, financial statements, and reporting.
• Expertise in relevant software, especially advanced Microsoft Excel and database querying languages like SQL.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities to interpret complex financial data.

Responsibilities

• Analysing existing accounting workflows to identify bottlenecks and areas for automation.
• Evaluating and overseeing the implementation or upgrade of financial software and systems.
• Using data to build financial models, perform budgeting, and improve profitability.

Skills

Strong Accounting Knowledge

Technical Proficiency in Excel and SQL

Analytical Skills

Effective Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Information Systems

Tools

Microsoft Excel

TaxCalc

QuickBooks

Job description

Business Analyst is responsible for analysing an organization's operations, processes, and systems to identify problems and opportunities for improvement, and then proposing and helping implement solutions. They act as a crucial link between business management and IT teams, ensuring that changes align with organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Optimization: Analysing existing accounting workflows (e.g., month-end close, tax preparation, payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable) to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for automation.
• System Analysis & Implementation: Evaluating, recommending, and overseeing the implementation or upgrade of financial software and systems, such as general ledger management software (e.g., TaxCalc, QuickBooks), and tax preparation platforms.
• Data Analysis & Financial Modeling: Using data to build financial models, perform budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis to support internal management decisions and improve profitability.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that all internal processes and systems comply with relevant accounting standards (e.g., UK GAAP, IFRS), tax laws, and other regulatory reporting requirements.
• Stakeholder Management: Acting as the liaison between the finance/accounting teams, IT department, and senior management to gather requirements, manage expectations, and communicate the benefits of new strategies or technology.
• Documentation and Training: Creating detailed documentation of new processes, system requirements, and user manuals, and leading training sessions for staff on new systems or procedures.
• Risk Management: Identifying operational and financial risks within current procedures and developing strategies to mitigate them.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Strong Accounting Knowledge: A solid understanding of core accounting principles, financial statements, and reporting is essential.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in relevant software, especially advanced Microsoft Excel and database querying languages like SQL, in addition to common accounting platforms.
• Analytical Skills: Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities to interpret complex financial data and operational metrics.
• Communication: The ability to translate technical information or data-driven insights into clear, actionable recommendations for both finance and non-finance professionals.
• Experience: A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business information systems is typical, with professional certifications like CBAP or ACCA qualifications being advantageous.