At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic financial analysis and support executive decision-making at a high-growth staffing firm.
- Company: Join ALKU, a dynamic staffing firm known for its performance-driven culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy equity plans, generous PTO, student loan reimbursement, and health benefits.
- Other info: Recognised as a top workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping financial strategies and influencing key business decisions.
- Qualifications: 3-6 years in finance with elite financial modelling skills and strong communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 150000 £ per year.
About ALKU
ALKU is a high-growth specialty staffing firm headquartered in Andover, MA, placing elite contractors across technology, life sciences, and government sectors. We are performance-driven, analytically minded, and relentless about making data-informed decisions at every level. The finance team does not sit on the sideline - we are embedded in the business, challenging assumptions and shaping strategy.
The Opportunity
Salary + Bonus: $110,000 - $150,000
The FP&A team is searching for a Senior Strategic Finance Analyst - a high-caliber, analytically rigorous professional who can operate as a trusted advisor to ALKU's senior leadership and Revenue teams. The right person will combine investment-grade financial modeling with an intimate understanding of the staffing business to produce insights that change how we operate. We are targeting candidates with an investment banking or other strategic finance background who are ready for ownership, influence, and impact at a high growth company.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Analysis & Executive Advisory
- Serve as an analytical resource for the CFO and Head of FP&A on the business' most consequential financial and strategic questions.
- Develop and maintain a clear, defensible point of view on ALKU's financial performance - not just what the numbers say, but what they mean and what should be done about them.
- Build and own ALKU's most complex financial models: long-range plans, scenario/sensitivity analyses, returns frameworks, and unit economics models (revenue modeling, GP per contractor, contribution margin by practice).
- Design and build bespoke financial models to evaluate strategic scenarios: organic growth investments, new practice launches, hiring plan, geographic expansion, pricing changes, and operating model shifts.
- Identify data gaps/opportunities and work cross-functionally to ensure the analytical infrastructure (data sources, definitions, reporting cadence) is fit for executive decision-making.
- Leverage SQL, BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent), Excel/Python, and Claude/ChatGPT to synthesize large datasets into clean, decision-ready outputs.
- Translate complex, multi-variable analyses into crisp executive narratives.
- Partner with the CFO and Head of FP&A on investor, board, and lender presentations, ensuring financial story is tight, defensible, and compelling.
- Business Partnership
- Partner with Revenue leaders to proactively identify performance trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Develop and support business cases for major investments, headcount decisions, and strategic pivots - providing rigorous analytical backing for resource allocation decisions.
- Lead periodic deep-dive analyses on key business drivers: recruiter productivity, contractor utilization, client concentration risk, competitive positioning, and market share trends.
- Own ad hoc analytical requests from senior leadership, bringing speed, clarity, and intellectual rigor to each deliverable.
- Planning & Forecasting Support
- Support the annual operating plan and quarterly re-forecast processes, with specific focus on top-line revenue assumptions, headcount-driven cost modeling, and operating leverage analysis.
- Develop the scenario planning framework for the FP&A team - building upside, base, and downside cases that are grounded in business logic, not just spreadsheet mechanics.
- Monitor and report on plan-vs-actual performance with a narrative lens: explain the variance, identify the root cause, and recommend the corrective action.
Qualifications Required
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related analytical field; MBA, CPA or CFA a plus.
- Total 3–6 years of progressive experience with a mix of investment banking, private equity or management consulting, and strategic finance at a high-growth company demonstrating advancement and expanding responsibilities.
- Elite financial modeling skills - this person should be able to build a three-statement model or DCF from scratch and explain every assumption.
- Track record of producing analysis that influenced real decisions.
- Exceptional communication skills - written and verbal - with demonstrated ability to present complex financial analysis to non-finance executives at the C-suite or board level.
- High emotional intelligence: able to challenge leadership respectfully, hold a point of view under pressure, and navigate competing priorities in a fast-moving organization.
- Self-directed and intellectually curious.
Preferred
- Prior experience in staffing, professional services, or a business with a similar revenue model (GP-driven, headcount-intensive).
- Proficiency in BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, Looker) and comfort with AI tooling.
- Familiarity with FP&A platforms (Adaptive Insights, Planful, Vena, Anaplan) and ERP systems (NetSuite, Workday).
- Experience supporting M&A diligence, capital markets transactions, or board-level financial presentations.
The Benefits
- Equity Plan.
- PTO package (plus birthdays off and volunteer time off).
- Student Loan Reimbursement after one year as a full-time employee.
- Health and dental care.
- Competitive 401K match.
- A variety of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
- Childcare Reimbursement.
- Fitness Reimbursement.
National Awards
- com’s Best Place to Work for Entry-Level Employees.
- Fortune’s Best Place to Work for Millennials.
- Staffing Industry Analysts' (SIA) Best Staffing Firms to Work For.
- Staffing Industry Analysts; (SIA) Fastest Growing Staffing Firms.
- Boston Business Journal’s Top 10 Best Places to Work.
- Washington Business Journal’s Top 15 Best Places to Work.
- Virginia Business Journal’s Top 25 Best Places to Work.
- Nashville Business Journal’s Top 10 Best Places to Work.
- Charlotte Business Journal’s Top 10 Best Places to Work.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Senior Strategic Finance Analyst in Andover employer: ALKU
ALKU is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and performance-driven work culture, where employees are empowered to make impactful decisions alongside senior leadership. Located in Andover, MA, the company offers competitive salaries, equity plans, and generous benefits such as PTO, student loan reimbursement, and fitness incentives, all while promoting employee growth through diverse resource groups and recognition as one of the best places to work. Joining ALKU means being part of a high-growth environment that values analytical rigor and strategic influence, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Strategic Finance Analyst in Andover
✨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 ALKU. 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 Senior Strategic Finance Analyst in Andover
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 ALKU.
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 ALKU'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 ALKU
✨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 ALKU.
✨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 ALKU 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 ALKU 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.
