Operational Finance Analyst

Morepeople 01780; Chichester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural business in Chichester is seeking an Operations Finance Analyst to manage cost of sales reporting and gross margin analysis. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with strong financial analysis experience, particularly in gross margin reporting, and a collaborative mindset. This role offers significant opportunities for business partnering and decision support to drive profitability.

Qualifications

• Strong financial analysis experience, particularly in gross margin reporting.
• Detail-oriented with high data integrity.
• Experience in FMCG, food, or agriculture preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end cost of sales journals; ensure accurate cost allocation.
• Provide crop and variety level gross margin analysis.
• Collaborate on budgeting and forecasting for sales and costs.

Skills

Financial analysis

Gross margin reporting

Attention to detail

Collaborative mindset

Communication skills

Education

Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent)

Tools

Business Central

Job description

Role Overview

We are looking for an Operations Finance Analyst to lead cost of sales reporting, gross margin analysis, pre-crop balance sheet management, and packhouse reporting in the UK. This role partners closely with the Operations Director and management team to provide accurate reporting, scenario planning, and budget and forecast support, helping drive business profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations Reporting
• Lead month end cost of sales journals, ensuring accurate allocation of direct and indirect costs
• Review pre crop costs including labour, plant, field costs, and utilities in line with harvest forecasts
• Provide crop and variety level gross margin analysis to support operational decision making
• Deliver variance analysis and reporting for Production and Packhouse management
• Manage stock, plant purchase, and utilities reconciliations
• Support accurate labour cost reporting with HR and Rewards teams

• Business Partnering and Decision Support
• Provide data and scenario planning to enable effective operational decision-making
• Ensure consistent reporting and processes across different regions and teams

• Budgeting and Forecasting
• Lead cost of sales budgeting and forecasting, including labour, crop plans, and gross margin assumptions
• Provide customer gross margin analysis for budget and forecast comparisons
• Collaborate with finance, operations, and procurement teams on energy, utilities, and plant payment assumptions

• Other Responsibilities
• Support plant order scheduling and payments to align with cashflow
• Validate utility usage and rates, ensuring accurate invoice approvals
• Respond to ad hoc queries from Finance, Commercial, and Operations teams

Key Stakeholders

• Finance leadership including Finance Director, Financial Controller, and Commercial Business Partner
• Operations Director, Packhouse Manager, and Production management
• External auditors

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

• Qualified accountant such as CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent
• Strong financial analysis experience, particularly gross margin reporting
• Detail oriented with high data integrity
• Proficient in Business Central or similar finance systems
• Experience in FMCG, food, or agriculture preferred

Key Skills and Personal Qualities

• Collaborative and commercial mindset
• Clear communication and strong analytical skills
• High accuracy and attention to detail
• Proactive, enthusiastic, and team orient

Interested in this opportunity, please apply below, alternatively, contact Angus on 01780 480530 or [e-mail]