Lead Finance Analyst

Co-op Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused cooperative in Manchester is seeking a Lead Finance Analyst to support strategic decision-making and maintain accurate financial reporting. Responsibilities include building financial models, analyzing key variances, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess a recognised accountancy qualification and strong IT skills. This role offers competitive compensation and a hybrid working arrangement.

Benefits

Annual bonus based on performance

28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service)

Pension with up to 10% employer contributions

Access to a subsidised onsite gym

30% discount on Co-op products

Virtual healthcare services

Training and support for development

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience working with budgets, forecasts, P&Ls, balance sheets and cash flow.
• Confidence in presenting data and insights to financial and non-financial audiences.
• Great prioritisation skills in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Build financial plans using proven techniques and modelling methods.
• Provide regular reconciliation and variance analysis to drive data-led insights.
• Own monthly performance reporting and explain key variances.

Skills

Strong IT skills, including Excel (VLOOKUPs, advanced formulas)

Attention to detail

Proactive mindset for continuous improvement

Education

Recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent)

Tools

Planning tools

Job description

Lead Finance Analyst

£40,000 - £50,000 plus great benefits. Manchester city centre. In this role you’ll work hybrid – split time between home and the office. Hybrid working policy available at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/hybrid-working-policy.

We’re looking for a Lead Finance Analyst to join our Finance team at Co‑op. In this role you’ll work closely with colleagues across the business to support decision‑making, spot risks and opportunities and shape our financial future.

You’ll play a key part in building and maintaining financial models, telling the story behind the numbers, and supporting our wider Finance team with accurate, timely reporting.

Why this role matters

At Co‑op we believe in doing business differently, putting our values into action and making a positive difference in our communities. As a finance analyst you’ll help ensure we make the right decisions with our resources, support our long‑term goals and invest where it matters most. Your work will keep us financially strong so we can champion a fairer world through cooperation.

What you’ll do

• Build financial plans using proven techniques and modelling methods
• Build assumptions for forecasts, budgets and strategic plans
• Consolidate reporting inputs and bring performance stories to life
• Own monthly performance reporting for your area
• Analyse results and explain key variances across financial statements
• Provide regular reconciliation and variance analysis across business areas to drive data‑led insights with business partners
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the business
• Support continuous improvement of forecasting and reporting processes
• Champion the use of our planning and reporting tools

What you’ll bring

• A recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent)
• Experience working with budgets, forecasts, P&Ls, balance sheets and cash flow
• Strong IT skills, including Excel (VLOOKUPs, advanced formulas) and planning tools
• Great attention to detail and the ability to prioritise in a fast‑paced environment
• Confidence in presenting data and insights to financial and non‑financial audiences
• A proactive mindset and a passion for continuous improvement

Why Co‑op?

At Co‑op we’re owned by our members. We put people and communities first and are powered by purpose. Join a movement where you can thrive and help build a stronger Co‑op.

Benefits

• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ)
• 30% discount on Co‑op products and 10% off other brands
• Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
• 24/7 colleague support service
• Training and support for your development and career progression
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme

A place you’ll belong

We build diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and ways of working.

We’re proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.

Learn more about our recruitment process at jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process and our inclusion commitments at jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion.

Please note that we may close applications for this role early.

As part of your application, you’ll need to complete an online assessment. This assessment typically takes up to 50 minutes. If you’re a current Co‑op colleague, this does not need to be completed.