Finance Analyst

Finance Analyst

Location: Hybrid/Manchester

Salary: £30-40k

Role Overview

We’re looking for a Finance Analyst to join a dynamic cost finance function and play a key role in providing clear, actionable analysis and insight across a large and complex cost base. You'll partner with senior stakeholders to support financial performance, identify cost efficiencies, and influence strategic investment decisions.

This role is ideal for a data-driven professional with strong Excel skills, experience working with large datasets and who is calm under pressure.

Key Responsibilities

Business Performance & Analysis

• Deliver high-quality cost reports, rolling forecasts, and variance analysis with clear narrative.
• Support month-end close including journal review, accruals, and cost investigation.
• Identify and validate cost-saving opportunities, supporting business case development.
• Track delivery of financial benefits and use KPIs to monitor cost performance.
• Contribute to budgeting and forecasting cycles for both staff and non-staff costs.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build effective relationships with business leaders as a trusted financial partner.
• Present data-driven insights to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Promote ownership and accountability for cost performance across business areas.

Operational & System Excellence

• Maintain and enhance financial planning models (Anaplan preferred; TM1 useful).
• Perform regular checks and audits to ensure strong model governance and data quality.
• Support improvements in internal reporting and business intelligence processes.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive enhancements in automation, accuracy, and insight across cost reporting.
• Provide modelling support across areas such as payroll coding and marketing campaigns (e.g. PPC, direct mail).
• Bring a calm-under-pressure mindset with a strong focus on continuous learning.

About You

Essential

• Strong numerical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Proficient in Excel and confident handling large, complex datasets.
• Comfortable with error-spotting and working in data-heavy environments.
• Experience with month-end, budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Strong communicator, capable of turning complex analysis into clear, actionable insight.
• Self-starter, collaborative and able to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable

• Experience with Anaplan or TM1 financial planning systems.
• Familiarity with payroll processes and cost centre coding.
• Understanding of marketing expenditure (e.g. pay-per-click, direct mail).
• Degree-qualified in Finance, Economics, or a related field.