Financial Planning & Analysis Analyst in Leeds

Farnell, an Avnet company, is a global high-service distributor of technology products, services and solutions for electronic system design, maintenance and repair. Farnell is a global technology distributor supporting engineers, manufacturers, and innovators across the world. With more than 80 years of experience, we supply market leading electronic components, technology solutions and services that help customers design, build and maintain their products. Our Leeds site is home to a wide range of business functions and is a key hub within our global network. This role will be based out of our Leeds site on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of 3 days on site.

Job Summary

We are looking for a pro-active Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Analyst to join our Finance team in Leeds. You will report into a senior manager who has been with Farnell for nearly 10 years, bringing deep organisational knowledge and strong leadership. You’ll join a collaborative Leeds based team of five, and work closely with another nine FP&A and Finance business partnering colleagues across Asia and America. In this role, you will analyse global financial and operational data, produce and co-ordinate the consolidation of forecasting and budget models, and support business leaders with accurate data-lead insights to guide decision making.

What's in it for you?

• A supportive team environment where everyone really is working toward the same goal.
• A strong open-door policy within management.
• An environment where you will be given the tools and opportunities to further your career.
• Pension scheme (matched up to 8%).
• Company car salary sacrifice scheme.
• Simply Health Medical Scheme.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays with option to buy additional holiday.
• Free On-site Parking and free on-site gym.
• Flexible hybrid working.
• Cycle to work Scheme.
• Reward schemes.

What will you be doing?

You will take on a wide range of analytical, financial and planning responsibilities, including:

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Report, analyse and interpret financial and operating data for global accounting and business operations.
• Provide analytical support including P&L projections/forecasts, scenario planning, ratio analysis, budgeting and cost analysis.
• Liaise closely with colleagues in the global Finance Business Partnering team, furnishing them with data-lead insights into sales, margin, operating expense and working capital performance.
• Gather, analyse and summarise recommendations for financial plans, acquisition activity strategic growth initiatives, future requirements and operating forecasts.
• Develop financial reports for forecasting, trending and narrative results analysis for management.
• Co-ordinating closely with our global Business Intelligence team to ensure our suite of daily, weekly and self-serve reporting available to business leaders is appropriate, relevant, accurate and on a constant evolution pathway.
• Prepare, review and analyse standard and ad-hoc monthly reporting, including assisting in the production of reporting for Avnet and Farnell Executive Team consumption.
• Review reports to verify accuracy and highlight variances.
• Other ad-hoc reporting requirements as assigned.

Forecasting & Modelling

• Generate financial forecasts and create financial models to support business planning decisions.
• Assist in the development, preparation and presentation of short- and long range financial plans.
• Work with management to develop, monitor and report KPIs for the business.

Month-End & Accounting Interaction

• Prepare journal entries, calculate accruals and allocate expenses.
• Work closely with the global accounting teams (EMEA, APAC and Americas) during month-end period close to gain insight into financial results, applying rigor, financial challenge and a curious mindset to ensure understandability of all financial results (P&L and working capital) for the period.

Research & Business Insight

• Perform economic research on rates of return, depreciation, working capital, investment opportunities and regulatory impacts.
• Respond to information requests from internal customers, including but not limited to Farnell and Avnet global performance, competitor analysis and market trends.
• Contribute to various improvement initiatives and business insights projects.
• Support other duties as assigned.

What about you?

• 3+ years of experience in financial analysis, FP&A or a similar role.
• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of GAAP and complex accounting systems.
• Strong analytical ability and experience interpreting financial data.
• Advanced Excel skills (XLOOKUP, Pivot tables; exposure to Power BI or SAP is advantageous).
• A proactive, curious mindset and confidence working with cross functional teams across regions and time zones.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insight for senior management.

Job Level Expectations

• Strong knowledge of accounting and finance principles, industry practices and analytical techniques.
• Ability to develop solutions for a variety of situations, using judgement and discretion.
• Works independently with limited guidance, receiving review mainly for overall adequacy.
• Collaborates effectively across the department and wider business.
• Decisions and actions may impact departmental or organisational success.

If you are also looking to study or are already part qualified we can support with CIMA and ACCA qualifications. If you’re ready to join a supportive global Finance team and influence strategic decisions at a major technology distributor, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and shape the future with Farnell.