At a Glance
- Tasks: Support investment strategy and report on project performance while collaborating with various teams.
- Company: Join Boots, a leading company committed to inclusivity and employee growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a discretionary bonus, generous discounts, and flexible benefits tailored for you.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by providing insights that drive decision-making in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant status and experience in budgeting, forecasting, and project cost tracking.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
You will help support the Central Operations position to develop investment strategy, support the creation and approval of investment papers and report on the performance of those projects. You will lead all project tracking, budgeting and forecasting and provide key insights and reporting to senior management that inspires performance and informs decision-making. You will work with the Lead Team and Project Teams within Central Operations. You will also work with other enabling functions, such as IT and Transformation, and other teams across Finance. This collaboration will ensure that we align our plans across the business and ensure our central reporting is accurate.
Responsibilities
- A role alongside Central Operations and other ensuring functions in the creation of investment papers and then shepherding them through the process of senior team member approval.
- Undertake financial modelling to provide analysis, and advice on both the viability of projects, and the options of alternative scenarios.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with partners across Central Operations, other ensuring functions and Finance, becoming a trusted advisor.
- Leading month-end reporting and variance analysis for projects, including collaborating with IT and the Central FP&A team to ensure data and reporting accuracy.
- Managing the creation of budgets and monthly forecasts for project costs and benefits, and other measurements.
- Develop overall understanding of project performance and provide insight, data and commentary to support wider FP&A reporting.
- Ensure data integrity within our systems (SAP and Planning Analytics) and support work on future finance system developments.
- Implementing opportunities for process improvement and automation.
- Contributing to or leading ad-hoc financial projects within the wider Operations Finance team.
Qualifications
- Status of part-qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent).
- Experience in management reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
- Experience of project cost tracking.
- Ability to demonstrate strong attention to detail.
- Proactive mindset with a continuous improvement orientation.
- Ability to build trusted relationships and promote financial discipline.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative and inclusive approach to teamwork.
- Excel and PowerPoint skills; it would be great if you also have.
- Status of fully-qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent).
- Prior experience with SAP, SAP S4 HANA, and Analysis for Office.
- Prior experience with IBM Planning Analytics.
- Experience writing investment papers, and reporting project performance.
Benefits
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Generous employee discounts
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay and gift card for anyone expecting or adopting a child
- Flexible benefits scheme including option to buy additional holiday, discounted gym membership, life assurance, activity passes and much more.
- Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme.
At Boots, we're proud to be an equal opportunity employer, creating a place where everyone feels welcome, supported and free to be themselves. We believe that when our people feel valued and included, they thrive, so we're committed to creating a brilliant Boots for our people so they can make a difference for our customers and colleagues every time.
Finance Analyst - Central Operations in City of Westminster employer: Boots UK
At Boots, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that fosters growth and innovation. As a Finance Analyst in Central Operations, you will benefit from generous employee discounts, flexible benefits, and a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages professional development. With access to comprehensive wellness resources and a commitment to inclusivity, you'll find a rewarding career path that empowers you to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Analyst - Central Operations in City of Westminster
✨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 Boots UK. 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 Finance Analyst - Central Operations in City of Westminster
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 Boots UK.
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 Boots UK'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 Boots UK
✨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 Boots UK.
✨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 Boots UK 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 Boots UK 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.
