At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial forecasting and analysis for Ford Credit Europe, influencing strategic decisions.
- Company: Join a global brand committed to diversity and equality in the finance sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with mentorship opportunities for junior analysts.
- Why this job: Elevate your finance career while making impactful contributions to a leading automotive company.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, advanced Excel proficiency, and experience in financial modelling.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
As a Senior Financial Analyst at Ford Credit Europe (our captive finance bank), you will play a pivotal role in driving our financial strategy across Europe. This is a highly visible position where you will lead the development of the European Financial Forecast, providing high-quality, actionable insights directly to senior leadership – including the European Controller, the Corporate FP&A team, and the Ford Credit Europe Executive Team.
In this role, you won't just crunch numbers; you will own the financial narrative. You will lead the forecasting, budgeting, and business planning for our European entities, developing complex "what-if" scenarios and sensitivity analyses that directly influence multi-million-dollar strategic decisions. If you are a proactive, curious, and systems-savvy finance professional looking to elevate your career with a global brand, this is your next step.
Responsibilities
- Forecasting & Modeling: Lead the monthly forecast processes for key physical metrics and receivables across our European business units utilizing advanced analytical models (primarily in Anaplan).
- Strategic Analysis: Co-lead the development of revenue forecasts, analyzing their impact on Net Financing Margins, and model complex "what-if" and stress-testing scenarios (such as ICAAP / ILAAP) to support risk and capital management.
- Executive Reporting & Collaboration: Drive the development of management reporting and variance analyses. Present insights at monthly executive forecast reviews with key stakeholders, including Treasury, Location Finance Managers, and the Asset and Liability Committee (ALCO).
- System Ownership & Innovation: Co-lead the maintenance and enhancement of the "Receivables & Revenue" modules in Anaplan. Drive data integration from cloud platforms (e.g., Google Cloud Platform) to continuously improve forecasting accuracy and user experience.
- Corporate Compliance & Leadership: Prepare monthly metric submissions for our US Corporate Headquarters, ensure high standards of internal controls (supporting audits), and mentor graduate financial analysts within the team.
Qualifications
Essential (What we are looking for):
- Communication: A confident communicator (written and verbal) who can translate complex financial data and modeling into clear, actionable executive-level insights.
- Analytical Rigor: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail and a strategic mindset.
- Financial Modeling: Advanced MS Excel and financial modeling skills, with a proven ability to build, maintain, and improve complex financial models.
- Drive & Autonomy: Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Team Collaboration: A strong team player who enjoys collaborative problem-solving and mentoring junior team members.
Desirable (Nice to have):
- Experience in corporate Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) processes (Forecasting, Budgeting, and Business Planning).
- Hands-on experience or a strong desire to build expertise in Anaplan (or similar FP&A/enterprise planning software).
- Familiarity with data manipulation and query tools (e.g., SQL, Google Cloud Platform, Power Query, Alteryx) and core banking/finance systems (e.g., BLESS, LA, Alfa).
- A solid understanding of financial accounting concepts.
- Knowledge of captive financing, automotive finance, or banking business models.
The Company is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for all and is opposed to any form of less favourable treatment or harassment on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sex, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability.
This position is based in Dunton, and it is expected the successful candidate will be able to attend the Dunton Campus for typically 4 days a week and remain flexible on the days they are required to attend the office according to business requirements.
As part of our pre-employment checks process, successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal record check. This will be conducted in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and applied only to unspent convictions.
Senior Financial Analyst in Basildon employer: Ford
At Ford Credit Europe, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. As a Senior Financial Analyst based in Dunton, you will not only have the opportunity to influence key financial strategies across Europe but also benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and collaboration. With access to advanced analytical tools and a commitment to diversity, we empower our employees to thrive and make meaningful contributions to our global brand.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Analyst in Basildon
✨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 Ford. 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 Senior Financial Analyst in Basildon
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 Ford.
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 Ford'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 Ford
✨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 Ford.
✨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 Ford 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 Ford 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.
