Lead Finance Planning in Chester

In this role, you will work in a hybrid way, splitting your time between home and the office. We are looking for a Lead Financial Analyst to join our Central FPAR team in Manchester. You will pull together the data that shows us our complete Group performance, which we will use to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. You will collect insights, spot trends to support our decision-making, and build strong relationships with our finance stakeholders to add value.

What you’ll do:

• Collaborate with our business unit FPAR teams to deliver accurate and value-add group analysis, reporting, and forecasts on a monthly basis.
• Take ownership for weekly and periodic variance analysis and insights across the group, and a variety of business areas and projects.
• Develop data models to deliver analysis and insights through dashboards and visualisations.
• Analyse historical financial data to identify trends and variances.
• Explore new analysis techniques and methodologies to improve the quality and value of the insights we provide.
• Identify and understand arising risks and opportunities, considering the financial impacts they might have and including them in forecasting.
• Support with the annual and interim reporting process.
• Support with ad-hoc analysis as required by the business.

What you’ll bring:

• An accountancy qualification (e.g., ACA, CIMA) or are currently working towards one.
• Experience working in an analysis, insight, or financial reporting team.
• A solid understanding of analytical methods, practices, and techniques.
• Strong IT skills (including Microsoft Excel and database applications) with the role requiring SAP Group Reporting training.
• A proactive approach, with curiosity to develop business insights.
• Good communication skills, with the ability to translate technical language to a non-technical audience.
• Good relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and challenge people inclusively.

Why Co-op?

At Co-op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:

• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance).
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays.
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions.
• Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ).
• 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands.
• Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it.
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice.
• 24/7 colleague support service.
• Training and support for your development and career progression.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.

We’re building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work. We’re proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the job. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.

Please note that we may close applications for this role early. As part of your application, you’ll need to complete an online assessment. This assessment typically takes up to 50 minutes. If you are a current Co-op colleague, this does not need to be completed.