Finance Analyst – Direct Costs Support in Abingdon

Informa is a leading academic publishing, business intelligence, knowledge, and events business, creating unique content and connectivity for customers all over the world. Our purpose is to foster human progress through knowledge.

The Finance Analyst – Direct Costs Support will provide analytical and reporting support to the Senior Finance Business Partner covering key direct cost lines including editorial operations, marketing activities, production costs, manufacturing, inventory, and supply chain costs. This is an excellent opportunity for a part-qualified finance professional to develop their FP&A and business partnering skills in a dynamic publishing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting: Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and financial reports for direct cost centres.
• Budget & Forecast Support: Support the annual budgeting process and monthly forecasting cycles.
• Data Analysis: Conduct detailed analysis of editorial costs, marketing expenditure, production costs, manufacturing expenses, inventory levels, and supply chain costs.
• Performance Metrics: Maintain and report on key performance indicators.
• Variance Analysis: Prepare detailed variance analysis comparing actual costs to budget and forecast.
• Cost Tracking: Monitor and track costs across various activities.
• Marketing & Editorial Analysis: Support the analysis of marketing campaign performance.
• Supplier Analysis: Support the analysis of supplier and vendor costs.
• Inventory Reporting: Assist with inventory valuation and working capital reporting.
• System & Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve financial reporting processes.
• Ad Hoc Analysis: Respond to ad hoc requests for financial analysis.

Qualifications

• Education Requirements: Part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Professional Experience: Demonstrable finance experience in FP&A, commercial finance, management accounting, or business partnering roles.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of ERP systems.
• Industry Knowledge: Interest in or awareness of publishing, marketing, or operations.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical mindset with ability to interpret financial data.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced Excel skills.
• Communication: Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Curiosity & Continuous Learning: Intellectually curious with genuine interest in understanding publishing operations.
• Collaboration: Team player with ability to work effectively with colleagues.
• Organisation & Time Management: Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Commercial Awareness: Interest in understanding business operations.
• Adaptability: Flexible and adaptable approach to changing priorities.

We believe that great things happen when people connect face-to-face. That’s why we work in-person with each other three days a week or more. When you’re not spending time together, you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely.

We believe strongly in the value of diversity and creating supportive, inclusive environments where our colleagues can succeed.