Shared Services and Control - Business Analyst

Colonial Group; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group is seeking a Business Analyst at Whitbread Court, Dunstable, to analyse processes, monitor controls, and drive improvements across Finance, Shared Services, Technology and Operations. The role focuses on accurate reporting and insightful decision support to reduce risk.

You’ll collaborate with stakeholders, deliver regular MI, and support IT and governance activities while maintaining strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• Experience producing reports, dashboards or management information.
• Structured and methodical approach to analysing business processes.

Responsibilities

• Analyse business processes and data to identify control weaknesses, process improvements and operational risks.
• Produce and present regular reporting packs and management information to senior stakeholders.
• Monitor finance system access, user permissions and segregation of duties controls across key platforms.
• Support the testing and review of business and system controls, documenting findings and recommendations.
• Track and report on action plans, ensuring agreed improvements are implemented effectively.
• Assist with IT controls reviews, third-party assurance activities and internal governance processes.
• Investigate trends, anomalies and exceptions within operational and financial data.
• Work with stakeholders to strengthen processes, improve data quality and embed best practice.
• Support fraud prevention activities through data review, monitoring and control analysis.
• Deliver insights and recommendations that help improve business performance and reduce risk.

Skills

Excel

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Job Title - Business Analyst

Location - Whitbread Court - Dunstable
Salary - Up to £33,000 + Bonus and Benefits

Job Type - Permanent

This role will play a key role in analysing business processes, monitoring system controls, identifying improvement opportunities and supporting governance activities across the organisation. You'll work closely with stakeholders across Finance, Shared Services, Technology and Operations to ensure key processes are operating effectively and efficiently.

This role would suit someone with strong analytical skills who enjoys investigating data, understanding how systems and processes interact, and helping the business make informed decisions through accurate reporting and insight.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse business processes and data to identify control weaknesses, process improvements and operational risks.
• Produce and present regular reporting packs and management information to senior stakeholders.
• Monitor finance system access, user permissions and segregation of duties controls across key platforms.
• Support the testing and review of business and system controls, documenting findings and recommendations.
• Track and report on action plans, ensuring agreed improvements are implemented effectively.
• Assist with IT controls reviews, third-party assurance activities and internal governance processes.
• Investigate trends, anomalies and exceptions within operational and financial data.
• Work with stakeholders to strengthen processes, improve data quality and embed best practice.
• Support fraud prevention activities through data review, monitoring and control analysis.
• Deliver insights and recommendations that help improve business performance and reduce risk.

About You

We're looking for an inquisitive and commercially minded analyst who enjoys solving problems, interpreting data and working with a wide range of stakeholders.

You will ideally have:

• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• Experience producing reports, dashboards or management information.
• A structured and methodical approach to analysing business processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The confidence to challenge existing ways of working and recommend improvements.
• Experience working with business systems, controls, governance or compliance processes.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Exposure to finance systems, ERP platforms or business applications.
• Experience working within governance, risk, controls, audit, compliance or operational excellence environments.
• Knowledge of process mapping, control frameworks or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience within a large, multi-site or customer-facing business.