At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial controls for IT projects and support project managers with budgeting.
- Company: Join a leading company in the energy sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a chance to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring financial success across a diverse portfolio of projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in project cost accounting and strong Excel skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Location: Reading or Havant
Duration: 6 Months
Work model: Hybrid, 2-3 days onsite in a week.
Role
The main purpose of the Portfolio Finance Analyst role is to maintain financial controls and systems, including budgeting for all IT project expenditure. Day-to-day activities will include working closely with project and programme managers, senior management and other stakeholders within IT to provide a project cost accounting function to a growing portfolio of over 100 projects.
Skills / Experience
- Knowledge of the Oracle Project Cost Accounting system (or similar) would be advantageous.
- An excellent understanding of Project Cost Accounting fundamentals.
- Study towards an accountancy or related financial qualification would be helpful but is not essential.
- Good understanding of end-to-end project lifecycle delivery.
- Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel.
Communication and Personal Attributes
- Ability to deliver under pressure whilst building relationships.
- Customer focused approach.
- Highly articulate with effective written and interpersonal skills.
- Strong influencing skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to thrive in a challenging environment and develop new skills.
Problem Solving, Analysis and Reasoning
- Excellent analytical skills.
Key Accountabilities
- Provide a professional finance function within the IT Portfolio Office to ensure the timely provision of project funding and effective financial control.
- Maintain financial controls enabling Project Cost Accounting for the portfolio including spend against budget, forecast spend and cost variance analysis.
- Manage the annual budgeting and roadmap process for IT projects.
- Provide financial management support for projects within the IT change portfolio, including budget development and monitoring, purchase order requisition and fulfilment, and reconciliation of projects and their close out.
- Ensure projects are managing their finances in line with the Transformational Change Governance Framework.
- Provide support and guidance to project managers in tracking their budgets.
- Monitor compliance with portfolio reporting / financial standards and intervene when this deviates or slips.
- Review funding requests to ensure they remain within approved project budgets.
- Participate in project review meetings to highlight finance related matters.
Experience
- Experience in annual budgeting process for projects or portfolios.
- Background in Portfolio Office functions or PMO functions, using collaborative skills in coaching others to complete required reports and managing financial reporting cycle on large projects.
- A demonstrable understanding of Client’s business areas, the Energy industry and IT.
- Knowledge of Client Transformational Change Governance Framework or an equivalent stage gate-based project governance process.
- Awareness of safety practices within high risk engineering environments.
- Awareness of information security practices within commercially sensitive environments.
Senior Portfolio Analyst in Reading employer: Lorien
As a Senior Portfolio Analyst at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment located in Reading or Havant, where hybrid working allows for flexibility and work-life balance. We prioritise employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and foster a collaborative culture that values your contributions, ensuring you play a vital role in managing a diverse portfolio of IT projects while enjoying competitive benefits and a commitment to your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Portfolio Analyst in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry, especially those who work in finance or project management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to project cost accounting and financial controls. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable with your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your experience with budgeting and financial management in IT projects. This will give you an edge and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Portfolio Analyst in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Portfolio Analyst role. Highlight your experience with project cost accounting and any relevant financial qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention your understanding of the IT project lifecycle and how you can contribute to our financial controls.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires excellent analytical skills, be sure to include examples of how you've used these in past roles. We love seeing how you've tackled challenges and provided solutions in financial management.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lorien
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Portfolio Analyst, you'll be dealing with budgets and financial controls. Brush up on your knowledge of project cost accounting fundamentals and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Familiarity with Oracle Project Cost Accounting or similar systems will definitely give you an edge.
✨Excel Like a Pro
Since proficiency in Microsoft Excel is crucial for this role, make sure you're comfortable with advanced functions and data analysis techniques. Consider preparing a few examples of how you've used Excel to manage project finances or analyse data effectively in previous roles.
✨Build Relationships
This role requires strong interpersonal skills, so think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build relationships with project managers and stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've influenced decisions or provided support in a collaborative environment, especially under pressure.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the company's business areas and the energy industry. Being able to discuss how your financial management aligns with the company's goals and the Transformational Change Governance Framework will show that you’re not just focused on numbers but also on strategic outcomes.
