Expense Analyst

Arch Capital Group Ltd.; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services organization in the City of Westminster seeks an Expense Analyst to focus on reporting, forecasting, and analysis of expenses. The role involves preparing detailed expense reports, assisting in budgeting, and developing financial models. Candidates should possess excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Excel. A bachelor's degree in a finance-related field is required. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to grow in financial analysis within a fast-paced team environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual expense reports highlighting key drivers.
• Assist in the development of the annual budgeting process.
• Develop and maintain complex financial models for expense planning.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Proactive and self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance-related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial planning software (e.g., Anaplan)

Accounting systems

Job description

Expense Analyst with a focus on reporting, forecasting and analysis of expenses. Working as a member of the FP&A team alongside the Lead Finance Analyst, providing detailed analysis of expense trends and variances and actionable insights to senior management. Build and develop relationships with key stakeholders and assist in providing both historical and forward‑looking financial analysis.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Expense Analysis and Reporting
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual expense reports, highlighting key drivers and areas for improvement.
  • Support the expense allocation process.
• Budgeting and Forecasting
  • Assist in the development of the annual budgeting process, working closely with operational teams to set realistic and achievable expense targets.
  • Monitor and update forecasts regularly, ensuring they reflect current business conditions and strategic priorities.
  • Provide variance analysis between actual and forecasted expenses, identifying and explaining significant differences.
• Financial Modelling
  • Develop and maintain complex financial models to support expense planning and scenario analysis.
  • Use models to evaluate the impact of various business decisions on expense outcomes.
  • Ensure models are updated regularly to reflect changing business dynamics and assumptions.
• Strategic Business Partnering
  • Support the Lead Analyst as a strategic partner to business units, providing financial insight and support for operational and strategic decision‑making.
  • Support the development and implementation of strategic plans, ensuring financial feasibility and alignment with business goals.
• Stakeholder Collaboration
  • Build and maintain relationships with departmental heads and senior stakeholders to understand financial needs and support budget management.
  • Collaborate with department heads to ensure accuracy and completeness of expense data.
• Process Improvement
  • Identify opportunities to streamline and enhance expense reporting processes.
  • Support implementation of best practices and new technologies to improve efficiency and accuracy.
  • Work with cross‑functional teams to drive process improvements and implement changes effectively.
• Compliance and Governance
  • Ensure all expense reporting and analysis comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining internal controls related to expense management.
  • Support internal and external audits by providing relevant documentation and explanations.
• Ad Hoc Analysis
  • Respond to ad hoc requests for expense analysis and reporting from senior management and other stakeholders.
  • Participate in special projects and initiatives as required.
  • Provide expense insights and recommendations to support business decision‑making.

Skills and Qualifications

• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across the organization.
• Proactive and self‑motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial analysis tools.
• Experience with financial planning software (e.g., Anaplan) is a plus.
• Familiarity with accounting systems and general ledger software.
• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is preferred.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in a finance‑related discipline.