At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial planning, forecasting, and reporting in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a fast-paced, private equity-backed manufacturing and services firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on innovation and efficiency.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial performance and drive business success.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Finance or related field; advanced Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Senior Financial Analyst is a critical member of the FP&A team, supporting financial planning, forecasting, reporting, and performance analysis in a fast-paced, private equity–backed manufacturing and services environment. This is a highly hands-on, execution-driven role reporting directly to the Senior Manager of FP&A. The analyst will build and maintain forecasting templates in SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC), automate reporting through the SAC Excel add-in, roll forward reporting packages, validate forecast inputs, and ensure accuracy and timeliness across all financial deliverables. The ideal candidate has advanced excel skills, understands how operational activity flows through financial statements under US GAAP, possesses intellectual curiosity around business drivers, and operates with urgency and accountability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Budgeting & Forecasting: Support development of the annual budget and long-range financial plans. Build, maintain, and enhance standardized forecasting templates within SAP Analytics Cloud (FP&A planning tool). Validate and reconcile financial data across systems to ensure accurate flow of information, identifying and resolving any missing costs, discrepancies, duplication or errors. Roll forward forecast models and reporting files monthly and quarterly to ensure timely submission for review. Partner with Controllers, Project Management and other Functional leaders on CapEx forecasting and budgeting. Assist with preparation and maintenance of the detailed revenue reporting file.
- Financial Modeling & Analysis: SAC (FP&A tool) data model maintenance through updating new accounts, customers and vendors; Run data actions to ensure accuracy of data flow through in SAC. Analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial results; identify trends, risks, and underlying business drivers. Demonstrate strong understanding of how business operations translate into financial results across the P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statement under US GAAP. Perform ad hoc financial analyses to support business cases, scenario modeling, and leadership decision-making. Prepare executive-ready variance analysis (vs. budget, forecast, and prior year). Ensure numbers are fully reconciled and consistent by rigorously ticking and tying data across reports, models, SAC outputs, and source systems.
- Reporting & Systems Execution: Prepare recurring financial reports, dashboards, and performance summaries for senior management. Load non-SAP entities (two entities) into SAP Analytics Cloud to ensure timely and accurate month-end reporting consolidation. Utilize the SAP Analytics Cloud Excel add-in to automate recurring reporting and improve efficiency. Assist the accounting team with the Services Financial P&L Excel file when issues arise or additional analytical support is required. Submit forecast/budget as a part of BPC reporting to Corporate (owner of company). Gather and analyze operational savings initiatives from each business function; evaluate realism and financial impact of assumptions used. Summarize monthly capital expenditure files by project, clearly differentiating between growth and maintenance investments. Maintain disciplined version control and documentation standards across reporting packages. Understand underlying data structures and reporting hierarchies within SAP and SAC. Identify opportunities to push boundaries in reporting automation, process efficiency, and analytical depth. Operate with urgency, meeting tight reporting deadlines and proactively communicating risks to timelines.
- Process & Tool Enhancement: Recommend improvements to financial planning processes and reporting workflows. Drive automation initiatives through advanced Excel (including VBA and macro development) and SAC enhancements. Support standardization efforts to improve data integrity, consistency, and scalability across FP&A processes.
Qualifications (Education and Experience):
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field required.
- 4–6+ years of progressive experience in FP&A, corporate finance, or financial analysis.
- Advanced Excel proficiency required (functions include but not limited to Index/Match, xlookups, Rank/Sort/Filter, SumIFS – nested/layered), including complex modeling, pivot tables, data manipulation, VBA, and macro development.
- Experience using SAP Analytics Cloud (or other FP&A tools) and its Excel add-in functionality is required.
- Strong understanding of financial accounting principles under US GAAP and how operational activity impacts financial statements.
- Demonstrated ability to reconcile, validate, and tie numbers across multiple systems and reports.
- Strong understanding of data structures and financial reporting logic.
- Analytical mindset with intellectual curiosity about operational and financial performance drivers.
- Highly detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing recurring deadlines with urgency.
- Demonstrate flexibility with work hours, including the ability to work overtime as needed to meet deadlines and ensure timely completion of financial reporting and analysis.
Senior Financial Analyst in Leighton Buzzard employer: Peli BioThermal
Peli BioThermal is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture, encouraging innovation and collaboration within the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology sectors. With a focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive support programs, competitive salaries, and flexible hybrid work options, making it an ideal environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Analyst in Leighton Buzzard
✨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 Peli BioThermal. 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 Senior Financial Analyst in Leighton Buzzard
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 Peli BioThermal.
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 Peli BioThermal'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 Peli BioThermal
✨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 Peli BioThermal.
✨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 Peli BioThermal 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 Peli BioThermal 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.
