Finance Analyst

Markerstudy Group; Salford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the insurance sector seeks a Cost Finance Analyst to provide cost analysis and reporting. The role involves collaborating with various business areas to deliver insights into cost performance and identify cost-saving opportunities. Candidates should possess strong numerical and communication skills, alongside experience in financial analysis.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial analysis and cost planning is desirable.
• Ability to present simple analysis from complex data.

Responsibilities

• Provide cost analysis and reporting to key stakeholders.
• Support budgeting process and review month-end results.
• Work collaboratively across Finance teams.

Skills

Strong numerical skills

Strong communication skills

Presentation skills

Influencing skills

Ability to work under pressure

Team player

Good Excel skills

Good PowerPoint skills

Education

Degree qualified

Job description

Job Purpose:

The MSG cost finance analyst role will provide cost analysis, reporting & planning for the Markerstudy group. It will give key stakeholders and Directors insight into the cost base and strategic investments, providing them with timely, accurate & consistent information. It will also work closely with the business to identify, validate & deliver cost savings.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

Business Performance

• Work with Controllership team to review month end results and review of journals/accruals;
• Produce high quality month end and forecast output with clear & concise commentary. Prepare variance analysis, understanding key drivers and one-off items;
• Working with the business to identify & develop potential opportunities, supporting business case creation, validating benefits and working closely with management to track delivery.
• Use KPIs to measure and challenge business cost performance;
• Support the budgeting process for MSG including rolling forecasts (FTE, staff and non-staff costs);
• Work collaboratively across the Finance team to ensure consistency and shared knowledge;
• Investigate cost performance issues and create ad hoc analysis to add to business intelligence;
• Business partner key stakeholders & Directors across MSG;
  
  

Customer

• Seek to deliver excellent and consistent customer service, providing relevant analysis to ensure decision making is underpinned by quality information;
• Build strong relationships across the Business Areas;
• Drive accountability, delivery of business targets & identify opportunities for additional value.
  
  

People

• Undertake continuous personal development to ensure that MSG behaviours are demonstrated effectively and that skills and knowledge are up to date
  
  

Organisational Effectiveness

• Support the delivery financial performance reporting to the Board, Exco, Group and internal customers ensuring high quality, accurate information on a timely basis;
• Update and maintain relevant forecasting and planning models and materials including process documents;
• Continue to find ways of improving our own business intelligence, to understand why and what is happening, therefore giving us the insight to affect future outcomes;
• Undertake quality control checks / audits to ensure model governance requirements for key models are maintained within the team;
  
  

Standard Accountabilities

• To actively support and encourage at all times, compliance with our quality principles, company policies and best practice in security, legal and regulatory requirements
• To safeguard information, paying particular attention to customer and employee data and business sensitive information
• To be aware of and understand Atlanta’s Whistleblowing Procedure and Code of Conduct. To question and act upon concerns about malpractice or wrongdoing by following the Atlanta’s Whistleblowing Procedure
• Maintain a positive and solution oriented approach to work, providing open and honest feedback.
• In all internal and external contact, present a professional and positive image of the department, the team and the company as well as maintaining mutually constructive, positive and beneficial relationships.
• Take all reasonable steps to ensure appropriate confidentiality.
• Undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this role.
  
  

Skills And Experience

• Strong numerical skills
• Strong communication, presentation and influencing skills, including with non-finance stakeholders
• Clear thinker with the ability to present simple analysis from complex data
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage to tight deadlines
• High degree of integrity and credibility with senior management
• Team player
• Self-starter with a strong sense of urgency and follow up
• Good Excel & PowerPoint skills
  
  

Desirable

• Experience of financial analysis and cost planning in previous organisations
• Degree qualified