Employee Cost & RtR Analyst in London

Employee Cost & RtR Analyst in London

London Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
British Airways

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage payroll accounting and ensure financial accuracy for British Airways.
  • Company: Join the UK's flag carrier with a rich history of over 100 years.
  • Benefits: Enjoy staff travel perks, competitive salary, and opportunities for growth.
  • Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team that drives financial decisions and supports colleagues.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong analytical skills and experience in complex organisations.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

A career without limits. As the nation's flag carrier, we take great pride in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain. It's something we've been doing for over 100 years, ever since we launched the world's first international scheduled air service between London and Paris. This originality has been in our blood since day one. It's the spirit we share with the people that fly with us, our partners, and our colleagues.

The role: Employee Cost & RTR Analyst. Join our Finance and Transformation team and play a key role in keeping the financial engine of British Airways running smoothly. This is the team behind the numbers that matter — from payroll and pensions to incentives and reporting — ensuring accuracy, compliance and insight that the business relies on every single day. Without this team, we simply couldn't make informed decisions or support our people properly. Sound important? It is!

What you'll do:

  • Take ownership of payroll accounting — making sure every entry is accurate, complete and reflected correctly in our finance systems.
  • Partner closely with Colleague Services to ensure changes to payroll processes (including Project Elysium) are captured and understood.
  • Review and sign off balance sheet reconciliations for payroll and employee costs.
  • Reconcile payroll systems to the general ledger — covering pay, tax, pensions and NI.
  • Ensure timely and accurate payments to tax authorities and pension schemes (no missed deadlines here!).
  • Oversee payroll finance activity delivered by IAG GBS and ensure quality and accuracy.
  • Support pay data analysis and provide insights to help with negotiations, including union discussions.
  • Lead on IAS 19 pension accounting, working with internal experts and external advisers.
  • Support leadership with pension-related commercial insights and briefing materials.
  • Act as the go-to for IFRS 2 matters — understanding, explaining and accounting for costs clearly.
  • Manage incentive provisions, tracking performance and ensuring balances are always accurate.
  • Get involved in ad hoc work and step in where needed — because teamwork matters here.

What you'll bring to British Airways: You're someone who enjoys digging into the detail... but can also step back and see the bigger picture. Curious? Analytical? Always asking 'does this make sense?' — we like that. You'll bring strong judgement, a collaborative mindset and the confidence to explain complex financial topics in a way others understand. Comfortable working with different teams? Able to challenge constructively? Great — you'll fit right in.

We're also looking for someone who takes ownership, builds strong relationships and isn't afraid to improve how things work. If you like solving problems, spotting risks early and making things better — you'll enjoy this role.

Your experience:

  • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
  • Experience in a complex organisation, Big 4, or technical accounting role.
  • Strong knowledge of IFRS, particularly IAS 19 and IFRS 2.
  • Experience working with or alongside payroll processes (preferred).
  • Ability to analyse data, model financial impacts and explain findings clearly.

What we offer: We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. It's one of the reasons our rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. From the day you join us, you'll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights. You'll also receive up to 30 discounted 'Hotline' airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family.

At British Airways you'll have the chance to take on new challenges and move forward in a way that feels right for you. We encourage all those who work for us to consider opportunities right across our business to help you develop and progress. We never stand still, and we don't expect our people to either.

Inclusion & Diversity: At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work. Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we're committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We're looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.

Employee Cost & RtR Analyst in London employer: British Airways

At British Airways, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. As an Employee Cost & RtR Analyst, you'll enjoy unparalleled staff travel benefits, opportunities for professional growth across our global network, and a commitment to inclusion and diversity that ensures every voice is heard. Join us in shaping the future of air travel while enjoying a rewarding career where your contributions truly matter.

British Airways

Contact Details:

British Airways Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Employee Cost & RtR Analyst in London

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 British Airways. 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 Employee Cost & RtR Analyst in London

Payroll Accounting
Balance Sheet Reconciliation
Data Analysis
IFRS Knowledge
IAS 19
IFRS 2
Financial Modelling

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 British Airways.

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 British Airways'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 British Airways

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 British Airways.

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 British Airways 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 British Airways 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.