At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse product performance and provide insights to drive strategic decisions.
- Company: Join HARMAN, a leader in premium audio technology with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work environment, employee discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with global teams and work with iconic audio brands.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the audio industry while growing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Finance or related field; strong analytical and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
A Career at HARMAN
As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you’ll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.
Ready to help shape the future of premium audio? Join the Sound United Business Unit at HARMAN and work with some of the world's most recognized audio brands. As part of our team, you'll contribute to the success of iconic brands including Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, Classé, and Boston Acoustics. Operating in a fast-paced and innovative environment, you'll collaborate with colleagues across Finance, Product, Engineering, and Commercial teams around the globe, helping drive business performance and support strategic decision-making.
If you enjoy working in a collaborative international environment, partnering with a variety of stakeholders, and turning insights into action, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while growing your career within a global leader in consumer audio.
You will join our Sound United Business Unit in Southwater, UK, in the position of Financial Analyst, Category Controlling.
What You’ll Be Part Of
If you enjoy turning data into meaningful business insights and partnering with teams to influence strategic decisions, this role offers the opportunity to make a real impact across a global product portfolio. In this role you'll be a key finance partner to Product Category, Engineering, and cross-functional teams, helping connect financial performance with business decision-making. As part of the Sound United SBU Finance team, you'll support the analysis of product portfolio performance, evaluate investment opportunities, and provide insights that drive profitable growth. This is a great opportunity to join a growing function where you'll work across multiple teams, build strong business partnerships, and help improve financial visibility, accountability, and governance across the organization. You'll play an important role in translating complex data into clear recommendations that support both strategic and day-to-day decisions.
How You'll Make An Impact
- Analyze product category performance, including revenue, gross margin, pricing, product mix, profitability, and key business drivers, providing actionable insights to support decision-making.
- Perform financial analysis and scenario modeling to support product category evaluation, prioritization, and investment decisions.
- Partner with Product Category and Engineering teams to develop and evaluate business cases, validate financial assumptions, and assess investment opportunities.
- Evaluate post-launch product performance against business case assumptions, profitability targets, and return expectations.
- Compile, analyze, and reconcile actual results versus budget and forecast, identifying key variances, risks, and opportunities.
- Develop and maintain financial models, category performance reporting, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve business visibility.
- Support the development of the annual Global R&D budget across shared engineering resources and product categories.
- Ensure financial data integrity across ERP and reporting systems.
- Identify opportunities to improve reporting efficiency and enhance data visibility through automation and process improvements.
- Support special projects, strategic initiatives, and ad hoc analysis as needed.
What Makes You A Strong Fit
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in financial analysis, FP&A, commercial finance, business partnering, category finance, or a similar role.
- Strong financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, and business case development skills.
- Experience partnering with non-finance stakeholders and influencing decisions through data-driven insights.
- Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations.
- Comfortable working independently, managing multiple priorities, and operating effectively in a dynamic environment.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Experience working with SAP or other ERP systems and large datasets.
- Flexibility to collaborate with global teams across different time zones when required.
Bonus Points If You Have
- Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or other business intelligence tools.
- Experience building profitability models, business cases, and KPI dashboards.
- Ability to leverage AI tools to support analysis, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making while applying sound business judgment.
What Makes You Eligible:
- Ability to work onsite at our Southwater location.
- Eligibility to work in the UK.
What You Can Expect:
- A hybrid work environment that balances flexibility with in-person collaboration, with most office-based roles onsite three days a week.
- Access to employee discounts on HARMAN products (including Bowers & Wilkins, Denon and others).
- Learning and development opportunities through our award-winning HARMAN University programs.
- An inclusive and diverse work environment that supports both your professional and personal development.
- “Be Brilliant” employee recognition and rewards program.
- A unique opportunity to contribute to drive revenue growth and nurture strategic trust-based relationships.
HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Financial Analyst, Category Controlling in Southwater employer: HARMAN International
HARMAN International is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of the Cambridge area. As a Senior Luxury Audio Hardware Engineer, you will have access to cutting-edge technology and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to the creation of high-performance audio products that redefine excellence. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on delivering outstanding audio experiences, HARMAN provides a rewarding environment for those passionate about engineering and audio quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Analyst, Category Controlling in Southwater
✨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 HARMAN International. 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, Category Controlling in Southwater
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 HARMAN International.
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 HARMAN International'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 HARMAN International
✨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 HARMAN International.
✨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 HARMAN International 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 HARMAN International 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.
