Commercial Finance Analyst -Publishing

Handle Recruitment; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Media Publishing client is seeking a senior commercial finance analyst in London. The role involves overseeing 2 P&Ls, managing relationships with stakeholders, and enhancing financial performance through rigorous analysis and reporting. Ideal candidates will have experience in B2B/B2C in media/publishing, along with necessary accounting qualifications.

Qualifications

• Experience in B2B/B2C within publishing/media.
• Expertise in management accounting and planning.
• Proven ability to build complex business models in Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead forecasting and budgeting activities.
• Deliver monthly management accounts and variance analysis.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and audit requirements.

Skills

Management accounting

Financial analysis

Excel

Commercial awareness

Trend analysis

Education

Part Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA/FCA) or equivalent experience

Tools

Oracle

EPM

Job description

We are working with a leading Media Publishing client who is looking for a senior commercial finance analyst to join their team.

We are specifically keen to here from candidates who have worked across Retail, Media, or Publishing- B2B/B2C and it's an exciting role looking after 2 P&Ls.

You will lead on Forecasting and budgeting, manage relationships with senior stakeholders, KPIs, business partner and work closely with sales.

There is some month end and posting journals- only 3 days

Commercial Business Partnership

• Act as a finance partner to senior managers across 3 areas.

• Develop a deep understanding of financial and operational drivers.

• Provide proactive financial support and challenge to drive performance.

Performance Management & Reporting

• Deliver timely monthly management accounts and variance analysis.

• Manage monthly processes including journal posting and balance sheet reconciliations.

• Conduct value-added analysis and provide recommendations to improve financial outcomes.

• Prepare and maintain detailed KPIs for actual, forecast, and budget reporting.

• Ensure Director and senior management team manage to budget and forecast through provision of routine financial reporting and regular meetings.

• Evaluate weekly sales performance and revenue trends.

• Ensure compliance with IFRS in revenue recognition.

• Maintain quarterly bonus incentive schemes and ensure accurate payout calculation.

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Lead the preparation of annual budgets and regular forecasts in line with business strategy.

• Improve financial models and forecasting methodologies for greater accuracy and insight.

• Deliver board-level commentary on key variances and trends.

• Perform ad-hoc analyses such as campaign profitability, scenario planning, and sensitivity analysis.

• Maintain accurate headcount reporting and analysis.

• Coordinate reports for senior leadership including Directors and Heads of Department.

• Implement best practices in FP&A to increase efficiency and scalability.

• Be part of project teams where necessary

Control & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and audit requirements.

• Maintain strong financial controls and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Uphold data integrity across financial systems including Oracle and EPM.

• Own and maintain key balance sheet reconciliations such as accrued and deferred revenue.

• Provide accurate and timely standard and ad-hoc reports to the business.

Knowledge & experience

• Part Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA/FCA) or equivalent experience

• B2B/B2C experience ideally in all publishing / media

• Management accounting and planning knowledge

• Expert in Excel and capable of conceptualising and building complex business models

• Understanding of trend analysis and non-financial metrics

• Commercial Awareness

• Experience of challenging

Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.