Finance Analyst

Harper May is currently partnering with a prestigious financial services firm to appoint an astute Finance Analyst. Operating within a complex, regulated framework, this organisation is renowned for its commitment to reporting excellence and robust financial governance.

This is a critical hire within a high-calibre finance function. The successful candidate will play a central role in ensuring the integrity of financial data while providing the commercial insights necessary to drive organisational performance.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, the Finance Analyst will act as a bridge between technical accounting and strategic decision support. This is a hands-on, multi-faceted position suited to a professional who thrives in a structured, regulated environment but possesses the curiosity to challenge the status quo and improve existing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Management Reporting: Support the end-to-end delivery of monthly management accounts and sophisticated reporting packs for senior leadership.

• Financial Planning & Analysis: Drive the budgeting and forecasting cycles, ensuring accuracy and alignment across all business units.

• Performance Insight: Deliver detailed variance analysis, identifying the "why" behind the numbers to highlight risks and opportunities.

• Sophisticated Modelling: Develop and refine financial models to support long-term planning and ad-hoc commercial projects.

• Multi-Entity Oversight: Ensure consistency and accuracy in reporting across multiple entities, maintaining a gold standard for financial controls.

• Audit & Compliance: Facilitate year-end reporting and provide key support during the annual audit process within a regulated framework.

• Process Evolution: Proactively identify opportunities for automation and the enhancement of existing reporting tools.

• Stakeholder Partnership: Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, translating complex financial data into clear, actionable advice.

Candidate Profile

• Qualification: ACA, ACCA, or CIMA (Part-qualified or Fully Qualified).

• Sector Expertise: Experience within financial services or a similarly regulated environment is highly desirable.

• Technical Excellence: Advanced Excel capability and a proven track record of handling complex datasets with absolute precision.

• Analytical Rigour: A natural problem-solver with a meticulous eye for detail and the ability to spot trends within raw data.

• Communication: A confident and articulate communicator, capable of engaging effectively with senior management and non-finance stakeholders.

• Mindset: A proactive, disciplined professional who takes pride in the accuracy and impact of their work.