At a Glance
- Tasks: Support investment strategy and report on project performance in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Join Boots, a leading employer committed to inclusivity and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous discounts, flexible benefits, and 24/7 counselling support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving financial insights and improving processes.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant with experience in budgeting and project cost tracking.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Contract: 12 month FTC
Location: Nottingham
Recruitment Partner: Vyoma Gandhi
What you'll be doing
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 providing 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. Reporting to Finance Business Partner - Central Operations, you will be part of a team. The team consists of 8 members, led by Head of Finance - Stores, Central Operations and Central Costs. Additionally, the role is part of a department of 25, led by Director of Finance - Operations. There are 7 other Senior Analysts within the department.
Key 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.
What you'll need to have (must‑haves)
- 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.
Rewards designed for you
- Boots Retirement Savings Plan
- 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.
EEO Statement
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 Boot for our people so they can make a difference for our customers and colleagues every time. Boots is a Ban the Box employer and will consider the suitability of applicants with criminal convictions on a case‑by‑case basis.
Senior Finance Analyst – Central Operations employer: Boots
At Boots, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. Located in Nottingham, the Senior Finance Analyst role provides ample opportunities for professional growth, supported by a comprehensive benefits package including a retirement savings plan, generous employee discounts, and flexible working options. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and fosters a supportive environment where you can make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Analyst – Central Operations
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Boots.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Boots might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Analyst – Central Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Boots will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Boots. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Boots confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Boots
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Boots.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Boots that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
