Finance Analyst

The Finance Analyst will support financial reporting, budgeting, and commercial analysis within a dynamic wholesale business. Reporting to the Financial Controller and collaborating with finance teams across multiple regions, this role focuses on delivering insights, enhancing visibility, and supporting strategic decision-making. The successful candidate will be a Finalist level ACA/ACCA/CIMA studier, with experience in wholesale, retail, or consumer goods industries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in preparing monthly management accounts, including variance analysis against budgets and prior periods.
• Analyse sales performance, margins, and trading results while providing clear commentary.
• Conduct balance sheet reviews to ensure reconciliation of key accounts.
• Evaluate order books and inventory positions for actionable insights.
• Develop weekly trading reports with KPI tracking and performance commentary.
• Provide analysis on customer performance, product profitability, and channel margins.
• Collaborate with sales and merchandising teams to deliver financial insights and constructive challenges
• Support the preparation of annual budgets and quarterly re forecasts across departments.
• Maintain and update financial models to reflect current trading conditions.
• Assist in scenario planning based on changes in market conditions or strategy shifts.
• Contribute to improving reporting processes, data accuracy, and system utilisation (e.g., SAP).
• Assist the Financial Controller in implementing the new SAP S4 HANA system scheduled for launch in 2027.
• Research and implement tools such as EDI systems, bank feeds, external reporting solutions, or AI technologies to enhance departmental efficiency.
• Provide analysis and schedules to support year-end audits.
• Work closely with Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP) teams to maintain ongoing reconciliations and trackers for customers and suppliers.

Key Requirements:

• Part-qualified accountant ACA/ACCA/CIMA at Finalist level
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data clearly.
• Experience in wholesale, retail, or consumer goods environments is preferred.
• Advanced Excel proficiency and familiarity with ERP systems (SAP experience is advantageous).
• Solid understanding of management reporting, budgeting processes, and financial analysis techniques.
• Exceptional attention to detail combined with a commercially focused mindset.

Personal Attributes:

• Curious and proactive in exploring business performance drivers.
• Collaborative team player capable of working across functions and regions.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Confident communicator who can engage non-financial stakeholders comfortably.
• Adaptable to fast-paced environments with evolving priorities.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates