Finance Analyst

Retail Human Resources plc; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail organization in London is seeking a Finance Analyst to support the Finance Manager in financial analysis and reporting. Responsibilities include managing financial performance, budgeting, and providing insights. Candidates should have experience in retail/FMCG and be actively working towards a professional accountancy qualification.

Qualifications

• Retail/FMCG experience, preferably in retail.
• Proficient in advanced Excel and core applications.
• Customer-focused with strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Produce timely, detailed financial analyses.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Provide concise commentary on financial performance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Financial modelling

Excel proficiency

Education

Recognised accountancy qualification (CIMA/ACCA)

Job description

Overview

A bit about the job

As a Finance Analyst, you will support the Finance Manager and the wider team in providing effective financial challenge and support to business partners. You will be instrumental in the end-to-end management accounts process, budgeting and forecasting, evaluating strategic investment decisions, and providing analysis and insights. Your role will be crucial in delivering timely and clear financial information to aid decision-making across the business.

Responsibilities

• Produce timely, detailed, and clear analysis to support business areas in understanding performance
• Provide concise commentary on sales, costs and overall performance, including recommendations for improvement
• Contribute to month-end routines of management accounts, including journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations
• Identify risks and opportunities against budget, suggesting mitigation strategies and ways to capitalise on opportunities
• Undertake analysis for potential initiatives using financial modelling techniques
• Report on KPIs, highlighting risks and opportunities
• Support the budgeting and forecasting process
• Interpret non-financial information and transform it into financial reports
• Produce reports easily understood by non-financial people
• Make recommendations to improve reporting and analysis
• Deal with queries and requests professionally and promptly
• Participate in ad hoc projects as required
• Work collaboratively, sharing ideas and information with colleagues
• Continually seek ways to improve own performance both technically and behaviourally
• Represent the finance community in line with Selfridges values
• Understand and support the delivery of Selfridges strategy and initiatives

Role and Qualifications

• Retail/FMCG experience, preferably in retail
• Working towards a recognised accountancy qualification (CIMA/ACCA)
• High standard of accuracy with financial and statistical data
• Proactive and able to take initiative
• Able to manage your own workload
• Commercially aware
• Customer-focused with the ability to build good cross-functional relationships
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in other core applications
• Flexible and open to change
• Good team player

Key Measures of Success

• Timely and accurate production of financial analysis and reports
• Effective contribution to budgeting and forecasting processes
• Identification of risks and opportunities that impact business performance
• Successful completion of ad hoc projects and initiatives
• Positive feedback from business partners on financial support provided