Senior Financial Analyst

DS Smith; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading packaging company is seeking a Senior Financial Analyst to support the Director of Financial Planning & Control. Responsibilities include driving financial aspects of budget and strategic planning while ensuring timely delivery of financial plans. The ideal candidate will have a Master's in Finance or Economics and experience in FP&A. Strong analytical and interpersonal skills are essential, along with proficiency in financial software. Applications close on 31st October 2025.

Qualifications

• Experience within an FP&A role demonstrating a strong commercial outlook.
• Proficient in spreadsheets, MS Office, and financial software applications.
• Strong analytical skills to manipulate, analyze, and model large volumes of data.

Responsibilities

• Support the budgeting and strategic planning processes.
• Coordinate actuals reporting process, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Analyze key metrics for effective reporting and management.

Skills

Cognos

Forecasting

Hyperion

Financial Concepts

Pivot tables

Accounting

Analysis Skills

Microsoft Excel

Financial Analysis

Financial Modeling

Budgeting

Financial Planning

Education

Masters Degree in Finance / Economics

Advanced accounting qualification

Job description

Overview

Permanent full time

Location: Europe (UK Belgium Spain Italy Germany) hybrid

About the Role

As a Senior Financial Analyst you will support the Director of Financial Planning & Control to drive the financial aspects of the Annual Budget and Strategic Planning process as well as the monthly EBITDA funnel process ensuring robust high quality consistent and timely delivery of related Financial Plans.

You will be responsible for the effective and efficient reporting of high quality Actual Forecast & Budget Management Information that will form the base for the driving of the business towards its Operational and Strategic Goals including financial non-financial commercial and operational aspects.

This role will assist in driving and delivering Finance related programs projects and results across the Packaging Division ensuring clear robust and timely reporting and in-depth understanding of these programs and results.

Your remit will include but not limited to :

• Work closely with senior members of Divisional Finance organisations to effectively deliver the various elements of the divisional planning cycle and drive improved business performance through insightful financial analysis
• Coordinate the divisional actuals reporting process budgeting and forecasting cycles the EBITDA funnel and strategic planning processes from planning through to delivery including collation review and preparation of the required analysis or presentation materials
• Analyse key metrics from each strategic plan budget and forecast processes to ensure delivery of what is required by both divisional Finance and local finance teams to assist in effective reporting and management of the business
• Develop a strong understanding of the input cost mechanics including monitoring and understanding the impact of changes in external variables on divisional performance
• Provide insight into underlying business performance by subregion / country and identify opportunities for improvement
• Challenge current processes to identify and implement new ways of improving efficiency robustness and usefulness and champion sharing best practices across the business
• Proactively assist and troubleshoot with local finance teams in Europe as and when required.

About You

Masters Degree in Finance / Economics an advanced accounting qualification or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience within an FP&A role demonstrating a strong commercial outlook and the ability to gain credibility quickly

Proficient in spreadsheets databases MS Office and financial software applications (SAP HFM)

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels across the business

Proven leadership background with the ability to balance working collaboratively with the need to be assertive when required

Strong analytical skills able to manipulate analyse and model large volumes of data and identify key issues including the ability to quickly to grasp the big picture and exhibit judgment in drawing conclusions and solving problems

Delivery focused with high standards and a proactive attitude

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and multiple stakeholders.

To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world we aim to build a diverse motivated and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly differences are valued and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Our people come from diverse backgrounds bring different perspectives ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply even those not meeting all criteria.

APPLICATIONS CLOSING DATE: 31ST OCTOBER 2025

Additional Details

Required Experience: Senior IC

Key Skills

• Cognos
• Forecasting
• Hyperion
• Financial Concepts
• Pivot tables
• Accounting
• Analysis Skills
• Microsoft Excel
• Financial Analysis
• Financial Modeling
• Budgeting
• Financial Planning

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1