At a Glance
- Tasks: Challenge financial numbers and provide insights to influence key decisions.
- Company: Dynamic international manufacturing business with a focus on commercial finance.
- Benefits: Up to £45k salary, study support, and 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Great opportunity for ambitious individuals to grow within a thriving company.
- Why this job: Be a key player in evolving finance, making a real impact on the business.
- Qualifications: ACCA/ACA/CIMA qualified or part-qualified with strong analytical skills.
Most finance roles ask you to report the numbers, this one asks you to challenge them. This international manufacturing business has reached the stage where finance needs to become more commercial, more influential, and far more visible across the organisation. They need a Finance Analyst who can sit comfortably between the detail and the bigger picture. They need someone who enjoys getting into the numbers but is equally confident challenging stakeholders, improving controls, and influencing decisions. You’ll report directly into a high-calibre Group Financial Controller and work closely with the CFO, senior leadership team, and operational departments across the business.
The role has real breadth. One day you’ll be producing margin analysis and commercial insight for senior leadership. The next you’ll be leading stock reviews, improving forecasting accuracy, supporting tenders, or tightening financial controls across a multi-entity environment. This isn’t a “keep the seat warm” finance role. They want someone curious, someone who asks questions, someone commercially aware enough to spot issues before they become problems.
What you’ll be doing:
- Producing monthly management accounts and financial analysis for the US operation
- Delivering meaningful margin analysis and sales reporting for senior stakeholders
- Supporting budgeting, forecasting, and rolling financial planning
- Managing working capital, stock forecasting, and cashflow forecasting
- Overseeing month-end accounting activity including accruals, prepayments, and fixed assets
- Supporting board reporting and commercial decision-making
- Partnering with sales, operations, and leadership teams across the business
- Improving financial processes, controls, and reporting capability
- Supporting projects, change initiatives, and ongoing business growth
What they’re looking for:
- ACCA / ACA / CIMA qualified or part-qualified
- Experience in management accounting or commercial finance
- Strong Excel and financial modelling capability
- Comfortable working with ERP systems and improving processes
- Someone analytical, inquisitive, and commercially switched on
- A finance professional who can challenge constructively rather than just report information
- Strong communication skills with the confidence to work cross-functionally
- Experience in manufacturing, engineering, industrial, or product-led environments would help (but mindset matters more)
Why this role stands out:
The business is growing and the finance function is evolving. This role gives someone the opportunity to become genuinely influential within that journey rather than sitting in a transactional finance position producing reports nobody reads. There’s plenty of scope for someone ambitious to grow with the business.
What’s in it for you?
- An annual salary of up to £45k (depending on experience)
- Study support
- 22 days annual leave + bank holidays
If you’re looking for a role where finance is expected to add value, not just process numbers, this is worth a conversation. Click “apply now” to find out more.
Finance Analyst in Halifax employer: Headstar
Join a dynamic international manufacturing business that values innovation and commercial insight in finance. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, influence key decisions, and enhance financial processes in a collaborative environment. Enjoy competitive benefits, including study support and generous annual leave, while being part of a team that encourages curiosity and challenges the status quo.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Analyst in Halifax
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance industry, especially those who work in manufacturing or commercial finance. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them; you never know who might have a lead on that perfect Finance Analyst role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial modelling skills and understanding the business's operations. Be ready to discuss how you can challenge numbers and improve processes, as this role is all about being commercially aware and influential.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical mindset! During interviews, share examples of how you've spotted issues before they became problems. This will demonstrate your inquisitive nature and ability to add value beyond just reporting numbers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by our hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Analyst in Halifax
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Analytical Side:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your analytical skills. We want to see how you can challenge the numbers and provide insights, not just report them. Use examples from your past experiences where you've made a real impact.
Be Commercially Aware:This role is all about being commercially savvy. In your application, share instances where you've spotted issues before they became problems or influenced decisions. We love candidates who think beyond the numbers!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Tailor your application to reflect the specific requirements of this Finance Analyst role. Mention your experience with management accounting and how it aligns with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Headstar
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, make sure you’re comfortable with the financial metrics relevant to the role. Brush up on margin analysis, cash flow forecasting, and any recent trends in the manufacturing sector. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just a number cruncher but someone who understands the bigger picture.
✨Challenge the Status Quo
Prepare to discuss how you can improve financial processes and controls. Think of examples from your past experience where you’ve successfully challenged existing practices or introduced new ideas. This role is all about being commercially aware, so don’t shy away from sharing your thoughts on potential improvements.
✨Cross-Functional Communication
Since this role involves working closely with various departments, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you’ve effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to influence decisions across the organisation.
✨Show Your Curiosity
During the interview, ask insightful questions that reflect your inquisitive nature. Inquire about the company’s current challenges or future projects. This not only shows your interest in the role but also highlights your proactive mindset, which is exactly what they’re looking for in a Finance Analyst.
