At a Glance
- Tasks: Own month-end accounting and partner with teams to turn numbers into insights.
- Company: Dynamic international fashion retailer with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Work in London with a flexible office schedule and great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment and make a real impact on business decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, strong accounting fundamentals, and a commercial mindset.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a finance professional who enjoys owning the detail at month end, but wants to spend more of your time partnering with the business and explaining what the numbers mean? A growing international fashion retailer is looking for a Finance Analyst to join its London finance team. With a strong presence across stores and online, the business has ambitious plans for its European operations and is investing in how finance supports that growth. This is a broad, hands-on role combining management accounting, forecasting, business partnering and commercial cost management.
You’ll take ownership of the numbers for functions including marketing and stores, while working directly with budget holders and senior leaders to understand spend, challenge decisions and improve efficiency. It could suit someone in industry who has built a strong grounding in month end and wants more commercial exposure, or to a well-rounded finance professional who enjoys multiple aspects of finance function. Equally, if you're audit trained and immediately available with retail exposure through your clients, then this could be a great first move into industry too.
What will you be doing?
- Owning month-end accounting for brand costs, including journals, accruals, balance sheet work and P&L commentary
- Partnering budget holders across marketing, studio and retail operations, reviewing spend and challenging where appropriate
- Preparing monthly forecasts and supporting the annual budgeting process
- Presenting performance and key variances to senior stakeholders, turning the numbers into clear, useful insight
- Managing head office payroll budgets, including headcount, pay changes and variance analysis
- Building KPIs and analysis to help teams understand the impact and efficiency of their activities
- Improving reporting and processes, including exploring how AI can make information more useful for budget holders
What would we love to see from you?
- Retail/Consumer industry experience
- A strong grounding in accounting fundamentals and the confidence to take ownership of month-end
- Experience in FP&A/Commercial Finance or keenness to develop into these areas
- Commercial mindset and ability/potential to work with senior, non-finance stakeholders
- Cost management exposure would be a plus
- Curiosity about the story behind the numbers, rather than simply reporting variances
- Initiative, energy and an interest in working in a fast-moving consumer business
Location: London (3 days per week in the office)
Salary: £55,000 to £60,000 + up to 20% bonus
Commercial Finance Analyst employer: Agora Talent Ltd
Heights is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of London. As a Product Development Lead, you'll have the opportunity to innovate and directly impact the growth of one of the UK's fastest-growing supplement brands, with ample room for personal and professional development. Enjoy the benefits of working in a small, low-hierarchy team where your contributions are valued, and you can truly make a difference in shaping products that enhance customer health and wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Analyst
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Agora Talent Ltd. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Agora Talent Ltd.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Agora Talent Ltd's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Agora Talent Ltd
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Agora Talent Ltd.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Agora Talent Ltd will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Agora Talent Ltd employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
