Finance Analyst

Reed; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

London University is seeking a Finance Analyst for a 4-5 month interim role in London. Hybrid working: West London, 2 days in, 3 from home. You will support month-end close, manage data integrity, and assist in audits to enable informed decision-making.

Responsibilities include variance analysis, budgeting collaboration, and KPI reporting. The ideal candidate is part-qualified (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CPA) with HE experience and proficiency in Excel, PowerBI, and Oracle Fusion.

Qualifications

• Part-qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, CPA) or equivalent; 2.1 degree desirable.
• Experience in management accounting, preferably within higher education.
• Familiarity with FRS102, HE SORP, and Oracle Fusion; PowerBI desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform month-end close, including accruals and prepayments.
• Produce management reports with variance analysis and KPI monitoring.
• Prepare monthly reconciliations and investigate differences.
• Collaborate on budgeting and forecasting with Heads of Finance.
• Support audits and maintain financial data integrity.
• Assist process improvements and stakeholder queries.

Skills

Excel

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

PowerBI

ERP knowledge

Education

Part-qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, CPA)

Bachelor's degree (2.1)

Tools

Oracle Fusion

Essbase

Smartview

PowerBI

Job description

Finance Analyst (Urgent requirement)

• Location: London
• Job Type: Full-time, 4-5 months interim
• Hybrid Working: West London, with hybrid flexibility (2 days in, 3 from home)

Join a leading London University as a Finance Analyst. This role is crucial for ensuring accurate and timely financial information to support internal decision-making. You will be responsible for performing the month-end close processes, maintaining financial data integrity, and supporting the audit process among other duties.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Month-end Process: Perform the month-end close process, ensuring all financial transactions are recorded accurately. This includes accruals, prepayments, income recognition, and more.
• Management Reporting: Review dashboards and reports to ensure accuracy. Produce detailed management reports including variance analysis and KPI monitoring to assist in decision‑making processes.
• Reconciliations: Prepare monthly reconciliations, investigate and resolve differences, and accelerate where needed.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Collaborate with Heads of Finance and Departments to capture departmental initiatives and plans in the budgets and forecasts.
• Compliance and Approvals: Ensure compliance with financial regulations and authorise necessary access and approvals.
• Process Improvement: Support enhancements to financial processes as requested by the line manager.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Develop financial practices in partnership with key stakeholders and act as a first contact point for finance queries.
• Audit Support: Assist with internal and external audits, providing necessary documentation and explanations.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Education: Part-qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, CPA, CCAB) or equivalent. University degree in a relevant subject (2.1 minimum) is desirable.
• Experience: Proven experience in a management accounting role, preferably within higher education or a similar environment.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with FRS102, Higher Education SORP, and Oracle Fusion. Knowledge of PowerBI is desirable.
• Skills & Abilities: Excellent accuracy, attention to detail, analytical skills, and proficiency in Excel and reporting tools (Essbase, Smartview, PowerBI). Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to build collaborative working relationships.