Finance Analyst

Finance Analyst (Urgent requirement)

• Location: London
• Job Type: Full-time, 4-5 months interim
• Hybrid Working: West London, with hybrid flexibility (2 days in, 3 from home)

Join a leading London University as a Finance Analyst. This role is crucial for ensuring accurate and timely financial information to support internal decision-making. You will be responsible for performing the month-end close processes, maintaining financial data integrity, and supporting the audit process among other duties.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Month-end Process: Perform the month-end close process, ensuring all financial transactions are recorded accurately. This includes accruals, prepayments, income recognition, and more.
• Management Reporting: Review dashboards and reports to ensure accuracy. Produce detailed management reports including variance analysis and KPI monitoring to assist in decision-making processes.
• Reconciliations: Prepare monthly reconciliations, investigate and resolve differences, and escalate where needed.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Collaborate with Heads of Finance and Departments to capture departmental initiatives and plans in the budgets and forecasts.
• Compliance and Approvals: Ensure compliance with financial regulations and authorise necessary access and approvals.
• Process Improvement: Support enhancements to financial processes as requested by the line manager.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Develop financial practices in partnership with key stakeholders and act as a first contact point for finance queries.
• Audit Support: Assist with internal and external audits, providing necessary documentation and explanations.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Education: Part-qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, CPA, CCAB) or equivalent. University degree in a relevant subject (2.1 minimum) is desirable.
• Experience: Proven experience in a management accounting role, preferably within higher education or a similar environment.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with FRS102, Higher Education SORP, and Oracle Fusion. Knowledge of PowerBI is desirable.
• Skills & Abilities: Excellent accuracy, attention to detail, analytical skills, and proficiency in Excel and reporting tools (Essbase, Smartview, PowerBI). Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to build collaborative working relationships.