At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Finance and Commercial Analyst, analysing data and driving business performance.
- Company: Igloo Books is a dynamic publisher focused on delivering engaging content across various platforms.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team, making impactful decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 2-5 years in finance analysis, strong Excel skills, and a knack for commercial insights required.
- Other info: This is a 9-month fixed-term contract with potential for future opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Reporting to: Finance Director
Location: Cottage Farm, Mears Ashby Road, Sywell, Northamptonshire, NN6 0BJ
Working pattern: Hybrid - minimum of two days per week in the office; up to three days per week working from home
Department: Finance
General Summary
Igloo Books is seeking a commercial analyst, who will play a key role in providing strategic and analytical support across the business. This role involves preparing financial reports, analysing commercial performance, supporting budgeting and forecasting processes, and providing insights that drive business performance and profitability.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse financial data and business performance to provide actionable insights
- Prepare and analyse YTD sales, returns, and GM and contribution reports for all global territories
- Track invoice and order margins by region
- Deliver monthly stock reports and manage OTB planning and forecasting
- Maintain and analyse SEA/MENA Disney royalty tracker and prepare and submit global Disney royalty forecasts
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning processes
- Work closely with sales and finance teams to assess financial impact of business initiatives
- Provide pricing analysis, profitability reviews, and margin analysis
- Develop dashboards, KPIs, and reporting tools to improve decision-making
Qualifications And Experience
- Strong Financial Analysis Skills: Ability to interpret and report on sales, gross margin, and profitability across multiple territories and products
- Commercial Acumen: Understands commercial drivers such as pricing, stock management, and royalties, and can link financial data to business strategy
- Advanced Excel & Data Handling Proficiency: Skilled in Excel for calculations, modelling, and analysis
- Stock & Forecasting Knowledge: Experience in stock reporting, open-to-buy planning, and forecasting, ideally in a retail or product-based environment
- Royalty Reporting Experience: Familiarity with licensing/royalty structures and experience managing forecasts and reporting (e.g. Disney or similar licensors)
- Strong Communication & Stakeholder Management: Able to present financial insights clearly to finance, sales, and executive teams; works effectively across departments and territories
- Organisation & Time Management: Capable of managing multiple recurring tasks (weekly/monthly reports, forecasts) alongside ad-hoc requests
- Problem-Solving & Initiative: Proactive in identifying trends, risks, and opportunities, with a continuous improvement mindset
- Computer literate (MS Excel/ MS Word/Outlook)
- Collaborative team player with a flexible approach
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with excellent attention to detail
- Commercially astute, with the ability to think strategically
- Able to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines
- 2–5 years’ experience in a finance or commercial analysis role
Additional Requirements
- Undertake any other duties as requested by their line manager, commensurate with the role
If you are interested in this role, please apply via our website. We look forward in hearing from you.
Note: This job description outlines the key responsibilities and expectations for the role, and is not exhaustive. Additional tasks may be assigned as required. This document is non-contractual and is aimed to be a guide to the role, not the individual. It may be updated and amended over time in line with the evolving needs of the job and the business.
Finance and Commercial Analyst (9-months FTC) employer: Igloo Books Ltd
Contact Detail:
Igloo Books Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance and Commercial Analyst (9-months FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key financial metrics mentioned in the job description, such as gross margin and profitability. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently during an interview will demonstrate your strong financial analysis skills.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company’s commercial drivers, especially around pricing and stock management. Understanding how these factors influence business strategy will help you articulate your commercial acumen effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of your previous experience with stock reporting and forecasting. Be ready to discuss specific tools or methods you've used, as this will showcase your relevant knowledge and expertise in a retail or product-based environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice presenting financial insights clearly and concisely. You may be asked to explain complex data to non-financial stakeholders, so honing your communication skills will be crucial for success in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance and Commercial Analyst (9-months FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial analysis, commercial acumen, and any specific skills mentioned in the job description, such as advanced Excel proficiency and stock reporting knowledge.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your background to the key responsibilities of the role. Emphasise your analytical skills and how you've used them to drive business performance in previous positions.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, provide specific examples of past work where you analysed financial data, prepared reports, or supported budgeting processes. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for a finance role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Igloo Books Ltd
✨Showcase Your Financial Analysis Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial data analysis. Highlight specific examples where you've interpreted sales, gross margin, and profitability metrics, especially in a multi-territory context.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Understand the commercial drivers relevant to the role, such as pricing strategies and stock management. Be ready to explain how you can link financial data to broader business strategies.
✨Excel Proficiency is Key
Since advanced Excel skills are crucial for this position, consider preparing a few examples of how you've used Excel for calculations, modelling, or data analysis in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Communication
Think about how you would present financial insights to various teams. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner, as strong communication skills are essential for this role.