Finance Analyst

Finance Analyst

Bolton Full-Time 34000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our finance team to deliver insights and support strategic decisions.
  • Company: Be part of a fast-growing retail business in North Manchester.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make an impact with your analytical skills in a dynamic, award-winning environment.
  • Qualifications: Solid financial understanding and proficiency in Excel are essential.
  • Other info: Ideal for those studying finance or with experience in retail finance.

The predicted salary is between 34000 - 45000 £ per year.

Forge Talent are partnering with a fast growing retail business based in North Manchester to recruit an analytical and driven Finance Analyst to join an award winning finance team within a fast-paced, data-focused environment. This role plays a key part in supporting strategic and operational decisions by delivering financial insight and performance analysis across a key area of the business.

You’ll work closely with commercial teams to drive financial understanding and challenge assumptions, helping to ensure informed, value-led decision-making.

The Role

As a Finance Analyst, you will work alongside the finance team to provide accurate reporting, analysis, and forecasting to stakeholders. The role offers a great blend of analysis, business partnering, and financial planning responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver actionable insights and make recommendations to improve outcomes
  • Contribute to forecasting cycles and support annual planning activities
  • Analyse variances against forecast and budget, identifying key trends and drivers
  • Prepare timely weekly and monthly financial updates with commentary and insights
  • Build relationships with non-finance stakeholders to understand business performance
  • Track and report on financial KPIs, ensuring clarity and accuracy for senior management
  • Support improvements to financial processes, tools, and reporting automation
  • Assist in scenario modelling and other ad hoc analysis as needed

Experience & Skills

Essential:

  • Solid understanding of financial planning, analysis, and reporting
  • Confident communicator, able to explain financial concepts clearly to non-finance stakeholders
  • High proficiency in Excel, with strong data handling and analytical skills
  • Self-starter with excellent attention to detail and ability to prioritise in a fast-moving environment
  • Prior experience in commercial or corporate finance, preferably in a business partnering context

Desirable:

  • Degree in a relevant subject (Finance, Economics, Business, etc.)
  • Actively studying or part-qualified (ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)
  • Experience in retail or FMCG sectors, particularly in multi-site or operational finance
  • Familiarity with business intelligence tools (especially Power BI) and financial process automation

Finance Analyst employer: Forge Talent

Join a dynamic and rapidly growing retail business in North Manchester, where you will be part of an award-winning finance team that values analytical thinking and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee development, this role offers opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact through financial insights that drive strategic decisions. Enjoy a supportive work culture that encourages innovation and fosters strong relationships across teams, making it an excellent place for those seeking a rewarding career in finance.
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Contact Detail:

Forge Talent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Analyst

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the retail sector, especially the financial aspects. Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in retail finance will help you engage more effectively during interviews and demonstrate your industry knowledge.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly in data analysis and reporting. Being able to showcase your proficiency in Excel during discussions can set you apart, as it's a crucial tool for a Finance Analyst role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss how you've previously contributed to financial planning and analysis. Think of specific examples where your insights led to improved decision-making or outcomes, as this will highlight your value to potential employers.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with professionals in the finance and retail sectors. Engaging with others in the field can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals, making it easier for you to land an interview with us at StudySmarter.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Analyst

Financial Planning and Analysis
Reporting Skills
Data Analysis
Excel Proficiency
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Business Partnering
Forecasting
Variance Analysis
Stakeholder Management
Financial KPI Tracking
Process Improvement
Scenario Modelling
Familiarity with Business Intelligence Tools
Understanding of Retail Finance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Finance Analyst role. Emphasise your analytical abilities, financial planning experience, and proficiency in Excel, as these are key requirements.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the retail business environment and your ability to deliver actionable insights. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in financial analysis and stakeholder communication.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a degree in Finance, Economics, or Business, or if you are studying towards ACCA/CIMA, make sure to mention this prominently. Also, include any experience with business intelligence tools like Power BI, as this could set you apart.

Showcase Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, highlight your communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with non-finance stakeholders to drive financial understanding and decision-making.

How to prepare for a job interview at Forge Talent

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Finance Analyst, your ability to analyse data is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used data analysis to drive business decisions in the past. Highlight any tools or methodologies you used to derive insights.

✨Communicate Financial Concepts Clearly

Since you'll be working with non-finance stakeholders, it's important to demonstrate your ability to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, using relatable examples.

✨Demonstrate Your Excel Proficiency

Given the emphasis on Excel skills, be ready to discuss your experience with advanced Excel functions. If possible, prepare to showcase a sample analysis or report you've created, highlighting your data handling capabilities.

✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders

Relationship-building is key in this role. Think about how you can establish rapport with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with non-financial colleagues to achieve common goals.

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