Finance Analyst - Banking in London

About Allica Bank: Allica is the UK’s fastest growing company - and the fastest-growing financial technology (Fintech) firm ever. Our purpose is to help established SMEs, one of the last major underserved opportunities in Fintech. Established SMEs are the backbone of local communities - representing over a third of our economy - yet have been largely neglected both by traditional high street banks and modern fintech providers.

Department Description: Allica Cashflow Finance provides tailored lending solutions to established, profitable businesses whose funding needs are supported primarily by sustainable cash generation rather than tangible collateral. Our growing team combines detailed financial analysis, commercial judgement and relationship-led delivery to structure funding solutions that meet each client's needs while maintaining a clear understanding of risk. From the first meeting, we develop a deep understanding of each business, its strategy, financial performance, cash generation and funding requirements. That analysis informs credit assessment, facility structuring and risk management, and provides the foundation for the ongoing client relationship.

Role Description: The Cashflow Finance Analyst will be a core member of the deal team, working alongside Regional Leads on new-to-bank lending opportunities from the initial client or adviser meeting through credit approval, documentation and completion. The Analyst will take an active role in understanding each business, its funding requirement and the key drivers of financial performance. Financial analysis sits at the heart of the role. The Analyst will evaluate historic and current trading performance, assess cash generation and debt service capacity, challenge forecasts, build sensitivities, and identify key risks and mitigants. They will translate this into clear, well-reasoned recommendations that support credit decisions and the structuring of appropriate lending facilities. The Analyst will help drive transactions through the full lending process, coordinating with clients, advisers, Credit, Legal and other internal stakeholders to resolve issues and maintain momentum. This is an excellent opportunity to develop broad deal execution, financial analysis, credit and relationship-management experience in a fast-growing, collaborative environment.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Participate actively in initial meetings with prospective clients and advisers, helping to explore the business model, strategy, financial performance, funding requirement and proposed transaction.
• Undertake detailed analysis of year-end accounts, management accounts, cashflow information, forecasts and other relevant financial data, using Allica templates and analytical tools.
• Assess earnings quality, cash generation, leverage, liquidity, working-capital requirements, debt service capacity and covenant headroom, identifying trends, risks and mitigants.
• Build, review and challenge financial forecasts and transaction models, including base-case and downside sensitivities, to evaluate affordability and resilience throughout the proposed facility term.
• Prepare clear, well-supported financial analysis and credit submissions, working with Regional Leads to formulate recommendations and respond effectively to questions from Credit and other decision-makers.
• Work with Regional Leads to structure lending proposals, including facility size, tenor, repayment profile, pricing, covenants and other key terms, ensuring the structure is supported by the financial analysis.
• Coordinate financial, commercial and legal due diligence, reviewing findings and ensuring that material issues are reflected appropriately in the credit assessment and transaction structure.
• Help manage each transaction through credit approval, documentation, satisfaction of conditions precedent and completion, taking ownership of actions and maintaining momentum against agreed timelines.
• Act as a key point of coordination between prospective clients, advisers, Credit, Legal, panel firms and other internal stakeholders, communicating clearly and resolving issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate and current deal, pipeline and activity records in Allica's CRM system.

Strong financial analysis capability, with the ability to interpret complex financial statements, management information and forecasts and translate them into clear commercial and credit conclusions. Proficiency in financial modelling and sensitivity analysis, including assessment of cashflow, leverage, liquidity, debt service capacity and covenant headroom. Commercial curiosity and sound judgement, with the confidence to question assumptions, identify key risks and mitigants, and form a balanced view of a lending proposition. Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present detailed analysis and recommendations in a concise and persuasive way. Strong Microsoft Excel skills and confidence working with financial models, together with competence in PowerPoint and Word.

Desirable: Previous experience in cashflow lending, leveraged finance, corporate banking, transaction services, audit or another financially analytical role. Experience preparing or contributing to credit papers, investment papers or transaction recommendations. A relevant accountancy, banking or finance qualification, or progress towards one, together with experience engaging with SME or mid-sized corporate clients and stakeholders.

Working at Allica Bank: At Allica Bank we want to ensure our employees have the right tools and environment in which to succeed in their role and in support of our customers. Full onboarding support and continued development opportunities. Options for flexible working. Regular social activities. Pension contributions. Discretionary bonus scheme. Private health cover. Life assurance. Family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave.

Flexible working: We know the ‘9-to-5’ isn’t right for everyone. That’s why Allica Bank is fully committed to flexible and hybrid working.