At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver insightful financial analysis and reporting to support decision-making across the Bank.
- Company: Join ICBC Standard Bank, a leading global financial markets and commodities bank.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, hybrid working, generous parental leave, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values individuality and promotes professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or working towards an accounting qualification with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Finance MI Decision Support Senior Analyst
The Management Information team is responsible for delivering timely, accurate and insightful management information across revenue, costs, actuals, forecasts and forward-looking business performance.
The team supports senior management and business stakeholders by providing high-quality analysis, clear performance narratives and robust information to inform decision-making, business planning and financial governance.
The purpose of this role is to support the delivery of high-quality management information, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting across the Bank.
The candidate will contribute to strong financial control, insightful business partnering and continuous improvement of reporting processes, with responsibility for activities including:
- Analytical review of expenses
- Balance Sheet reconciliations & substantiation
- Monthly financial reporting to business units
- Developing and enhancing self-serve MI through Power BI, including dashboard design, data visualisation, reporting automation, data quality improvements and support for user adoption across Finance and business stakeholders.
The role will provide broad exposure to Finance processes, accounting systems, reporting controls and stakeholder-facing analysis.
The candidate will be expected to take ownership of assigned deliverables, maintain strong control and confidentiality over accounting records and business information, manage competing deadlines effectively and contribute to the continuous improvement of MI, reporting and financial control processes.
What you'll be doing
The candidate will work within the Management Accounting team, taking responsibility for the delivery, review and continuous improvement of accounting and reporting processes that fall under the team’s remit, including but not limited to:
- Monthly accounting processes
- Reviewing expenses to identify any required accruals and prepayments
- Processing of journals and adjustments to the accounting records
- Variance analysis commentary in monthly cost review meetings
- Balance Sheet reconciliations and substantiation
- Substantiation and attestation of Balance Sheet accounts for review at the monthly Finance Governance Committee
- Monthly financial reporting and business partnering
- Production of monthly financial packs for distribution to business units
- Analysing and clearly articulating key monthly movements, year-on-year trends and variances to budget or forecast, including identification of underlying drivers, risks, opportunities and areas requiring business challenge or follow-up.
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Collaboration with the business to prepare annual budgets and interim forecasts
- Uploading of Budget and forecast information to the reporting systems
- Supporting the development, review and challenge of budget and forecast assumptions, working with stakeholders to understand key cost drivers, resource requirements, risks and opportunities.
- Contributing to scenario analysis, timetable management and preparation of clear budget and forecast outputs for Finance and business review.
- Business reporting structure maintenance
- Collaboration with finance business partners to ensure any business structure changes are implemented in the reporting systems
- Delivering ad-hoc analysis and reporting to provide value-add support to business stakeholders, including analysis of cost trends, profitability, headcount, investment decisions, business cases, process efficiency and other strategic or operational priorities as required.
- What you'll need to be successful
We're looking for the following skills and experience.
- Qualified accountant/QBE, working towards a recognised accounting qualification, such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent
- Advanced Microsoft Office capability, including Excel modelling and analysis, Power Point presentation of financial insights, and experience using Power BI and Power Automate to support reporting, data visualisation and process automation.
- Experience with financial accounting and reporting systems such as TM1 and SAP would be advantageous
- Self-starter who can identify opportunities to improve Finance processes, simplify reporting, strengthen controls and use technology to deliver better outcomes.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across the Bank to channel multiple inputs into coherent outputs, and constructively challenge assumptions relating to budgets, forecasts, cost drivers, resource allocation and business performance narratives.
- Be analytical and creative – an ability to work independently and clearly articulate complex information in professional reports for a wide range of audiences
Why should you join us?
ICBC Standard Bank Plc (ICBCS) is a leading financial markets and commodities bank, driven to deliver the right outcomes for our stakeholders, clients, counterparties and markets.
We benefit from a unique Chinese and African parentage and an unrivalled global network and expertise.
We're headquartered in London, with operations in Shanghai, Singapore and New York.
We're a diverse and close-knit global team.
We put people first, giving talented, self-driven professionals the flexibility, rewards and freedom to grow their expertise and realise their potential.
Our vison statement, "Be Yourself, Succeed Together" underpins our drive for an open and transparent culture which values difference, enabling everyone to thrive whilst being themselves.
We have an active E, D&I forum and we're growing other employee network groups, including for women and neurodiversity.
We're committed to the principle of equal opportunities. All applicants will be treated equally and will be considered on their merits and skills without discrimination.
What’s in it for you?
- Financial – market-based pay based on skills and experience, discretionary annual bonus, pension contribution 10% (employee contribution 5%), travel insurance, life assurance and income replacement insurance.
- Hybrid working – the option to work remotely up to two days per week, depending on the role.
- Family - 6 months maternity leave at full pay, 4 weeks paternity leave at full pay and enhanced shared parental leave pay.
Coaching for family leave returners and access to emergency care via My Family Care.
Paid fertility and miscarriage leave.
- Wellbeing - private medical insurance, Bike2Work scheme, health and fitness subsidy, holiday exchange, Employee Assistance Programme and menopause policy.
- Community – paid volunteering leave and Give As You Earn scheme. Vibrant CSR and engagement forums and fundraising for our charity partners.
- Development – a suite of opportunities to build the skills you need to excel in your role
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Finance MI Decision Support Senior Analyst employer: ICBC Standard Bank Plc
ICBC Standard Bank Plc is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. As a Commodities Desk Assistant, you'll thrive in a dynamic team environment that prioritises professional growth and embraces innovative technology, ensuring you have the tools to succeed. With a commitment to diversity and equal opportunities, we empower our employees to be themselves and achieve their full potential while enjoying the flexibility and rewards that come with being part of a leading financial markets and commodities bank.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance MI Decision Support Senior Analyst
✨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 ICBC Standard Bank Plc. 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 Finance MI Decision Support Senior Analyst
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 ICBC Standard Bank Plc.
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 ICBC Standard Bank Plc'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 ICBC Standard Bank Plc
✨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 ICBC Standard Bank Plc.
✨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 ICBC Standard Bank Plc 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 ICBC Standard Bank Plc 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.