Senior Financial Analyst

Senior Finance Analyst – Cost Management & Management Reporting

Contract role

Reading

Hybrid working – 2 days in office

We are seeking a Senior Finance Analyst to join our finance team, playing a key role in cost management, forecasting, and management reporting. This is an excellent opportunity for a part-qualified (near completion) or fully qualified accountant who enjoys working closely with the business and turning financial data into meaningful insight.

The Role

In this role, you will be responsible for month-end close and quarterly forecasting, primarily supporting People and T&O cost areas. You will work closely with Finance Business Partners and key stakeholders across the business to challenge costs, explain performance, and support informed decision-making.

You will also deliver timely, accurate daily, weekly, monthly, and forecast reporting to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including shareholders and auditors.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Management & Reporting

• Support month-end close, including preparation of journals and balance sheet reconciliations
• Prepare management reporting packs with clear analysis and commentary to explain performance and variances
• Support quarterly forecasting, including Smartview uploads and forecast reporting
• Work closely with Finance Business Partners and business stakeholders to understand cost drivers and changes
• Assist external auditors with testing and queries for supported areas

Internal & Shareholder Reporting

• Produce internal sales reporting
• Maintain, refresh, reconcile, and roll forward monthly and quarterly shareholder reporting, including KPIs/KBIs

Business Partnering

• Collaborate with Finance Business Partners and the wider business to ensure accurate, well-understood reporting
• Build strong working relationships to support effective cost control and forecasting

Skills & Experience

• Part-qualified (near completion) or fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
• Strong Excel skills
• Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills
• Ability to work to deadlines and manage multiple reporting cycles
• Experience in management reporting and forecasting
• Experience with Smartview and/or Alteryx
• Understanding of business and cost drivers