At a Glance
- Tasks: Support strategic decision-making through financial planning, analysis, and forecasting.
- Company: Leading prime contractor in high technology programmes across defence and civil sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: On-site role in Havant with excellent opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and influence key financial decisions in a cutting-edge environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and strong Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Please note: This position is based in Havant, Hampshire, UK, and will require the successful candidate to be on site when necessary. Please read the job specification carefully.
We are seeking a highly analytical and commercially minded Senior Finance Analyst to support strategic decision-making through financial planning, analysis, forecasting, and end positioning accounting (FP&A). My client is a leading prime contractor and systems integrator responsible for a wide portfolio of high technology programmes, complex integration, training, and through-life support, spanning the defence and civil sectors.
For allocated programmes, you are required to manage the programme budget baseline using standard templates, updating this baseline as new programme components are scoped. You will monitor spend and the forecasted estimate to completion (EAC), reviewing actuals, calculating variances, and flagging any anomalies that require escalation, including identifying possible solutions to complex level issues.
Your role also requires you to support the monthly risk-management process, highlighting and managing financial risk. To support business planning you will use programme information and wider business examples to generate forecasts for sales, EBIT, and cash on a monthly basis, using advanced techniques, including scenario analysis and sensitivity mapping, providing monthly variance analysis as well as supporting the Long Range Plan cycle.
At all times you will verify that business controls and processes are being followed, ensuring audit trails to maintain the integrity of our financial data. You will also be required to support the annual audit.
Your responsibilities include providing financial management expertise to the Programme Management Team, answering queries, helping with the pre-planning of programme activities, and documenting assumptions. You will also attend and present the financial position at Internal Programme Reviews, Monthly Programme Reviews, and Contract Status Reviews presenting data to varying levels of seniority.
You will respond to any ad-hoc reporting or analysis requests that arise from senior leadership or the Programme Management Office as well as identifying areas for improvement, managing through change initiatives to support the evolvement of the function.
- Financial Planning & Control
- Manage programme budgets and maintain the baseline budget throughout the programme lifecycle.
- Update forecasts as new work packages or programme elements are introduced.
- Track actual spend against budget and forecast.
- Calculate and explain variances.
- Monitor and manage Estimate at Completion (EAC).
- Forecasting & Financial Analysis
- Produce monthly forecasts for Sales, EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Tax), and Cash flow (FP&A).
- Perform scenario analysis, sensitivity analysis, and variance analysis.
- Support annual planning and Long Range Planning (LRP) cycles.
- Risk Management
- Support monthly programme risk reviews.
- Quantify financial risks and opportunities.
- Identify potential cost overruns and mitigation actions.
- Escalate significant financial issues appropriately.
- Business Partnering
- Act as the finance lead for Programme Managers.
- Provide financial guidance and challenge where required.
- Help programme teams understand financial implications of decisions.
- Document assumptions and ensure financial transparency.
- Reporting & Stakeholder Management
- Present financial performance at Internal Programme Reviews (IPRs), Monthly Programme Reviews (MPRs), and Contract Status Reviews (CSRs).
- Prepare ad hoc analysis for senior leadership.
- Communicate financial information to both finance and non-finance audiences.
- Governance & Compliance
- Ensure financial controls and processes are followed.
- Maintain audit trails and data integrity.
- Support internal and external audits.
- Ensure compliance with company and contractual requirements.
- Technical: Budget management, Forecasting, EAC calculations, Variance analysis, Excel (advanced), Financial modelling, Risk analysis, Management accounting, FP&A.
- Behavioural: Stakeholder management, Presentation skills, Problem solving, Attention to detail, Ability to explain complex financial issues simply, Confidence working with senior managers.
Key Skills They Are Looking For
Financial Analyst Senior - 19486BR in Havant employer: Confidential
As a leading employer in the data centre operations sector, we offer an exceptional work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation and accountability, while our commitment to safety and operational excellence ensures that you will be part of a team that values your contributions. With opportunities for international travel and the chance to lead critical operations across the EMEA region, this role provides a unique platform for impactful leadership and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Analyst Senior - 19486BR in Havant
✨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 Confidential. 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 Financial Analyst Senior - 19486BR in Havant
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 Confidential.
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 Confidential'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 Confidential
✨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 Confidential.
✨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 Confidential 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 Confidential 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.
