At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial decision-making and analysis for Penguin Press.
- Company: Join the creative team at Penguin Random House UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, flexible working, and career development.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a renowned publishing house and make an impact in finance.
- Qualifications: Strong numeracy skills and ability to communicate financial info effectively.
The predicted salary is between 30500 - 37500 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Finance Analyst to join our Penguin Press division on a full time, fixed-term basis for 9 months. Reporting to the Finance Director, this role plays an integral part in providing financial and commercial support to the Penguin Press division with the collection, preparation and presentation of financial and management information. This information supports and informs decision making within the team and contributes to the maintenance and development of relevant reporting and information systems.
The team: Press is one of Penguin Random House's nine publishing houses, and comprises Allen Lane, Pelican, Particular Books and the world-famous Penguin Classics library. Home to serious and groundbreaking non-fiction in hardback and paperback, plus the extended family of classic fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama, we have established a reputation for books that bring new ideas to readers and represent the best in editorial and design standards. Our authors include Naomi Klein, Claudia Rankine, Bernie Sanders, Mariana Mazzucato, Carlo Rovelli and Fareed Zakaria. Recently published into Penguin Classics are works by Brigitte Reimann, Tove Ditlevsen and Yukio Mishima.
Key responsibilities
- Month end routines - reconciling P&L lines, preparation & posting of journals, KPI packs, overhead reports, top brand/author sales analysis
- Preparation of regular analysis of performance
- Budget and forecasting preparation including providing grids to sales teams and processing revised sales assumptions
- Acquisition P&L's and calculation of bonus advances
- Invoice checking & coding and answering queries
- Liaising with the marketing team to update and review marketing spend
- Clear ad hoc analysis on Publishing House/department/author or title performance to support decision making
- Understanding revenues and costs associated with publishing and following group accounting policies
What you'll bring
- Excellent numeracy skills and good commercial outlook
- Ability to convey complex financial information to non-finance colleagues and partners across the business, and build strong working relationships
- Good excel skills including pivot tables, and what if statements
- Organised and proactive, with strong attention to detail
- Ability to learn new IT systems and processes
- Ability to analyse, evaluate and interpret commercial and financial data
- Experience of using financial accounting systems is preferred
Preferred criteria
- Experience in commercial finance within a similar role
£30,500 - £37,500 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits. While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect that you will work from our London office 2-3 times a week. Working patterns can be discussed further at interview stage.
Job details
- Senior level
- Associate
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Finance
- Industries: Book and Periodical Publishing
Finance Analyst - Penguin Press (9-month FTC) in City of Westminster employer: Penguin Random House
Penguin Random House UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity meets finance. As a Finance Analyst in the Penguin Press division, you will not only contribute to the financial success of renowned authors and groundbreaking publications but also enjoy a culture that values collaboration, flexibility, and professional growth. With opportunities for skill development and a supportive team atmosphere, this role in London promises a rewarding experience for those passionate about both finance and literature.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Analyst - Penguin Press (9-month FTC) in City of Westminster
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We think you need these skills to ace Finance Analyst - Penguin Press (9-month FTC) in City of Westminster
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 Penguin Random House.
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Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Penguin Random House'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 Penguin Random House
✨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 Penguin Random House.
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Penguin Random House 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.