The Junior Commercial Analyst will support senior members of the commercial finance team in delivering high-quality financial services. This includes assisting with annual budget preparation, acquisition P&Ls, month-end analysis and reporting, monthly forecasting, profitability reviews and ad hoc internal and external reporting.
Key Responsibilities:Forecasting & Budgeting
- Ensure accurate and timely delivery of budgeting and forecasting reports to stakeholders.
- Maintain an up-to-date publishing schedule of titles for budgeting/forecasting purposes.
- Liaise with publishing teams to collect necessary data for forecasts.
- Input collected data into the forecast system (currently Hyperion Planning) and ensure outputs reconcile accurately.
- Prepare summary schedules for review by the Commercial Director.
- Assist in preparing presentations for budget and commercial review meetings.
- Prepare investment cases for acquisitions for review by the Commercial Director.
- Maintain a detailed schedule of acquisition pipelines with financial details for future performance analysis.
- Conduct profitability reviews to assist publishing teams in decision-making regarding recontracts.
Month-End Accounting & Reporting
- Complete month-end tasks with increasing responsibility over time:
- Prepare provisions for retrospective discounts
- Calculate provisions for unearned advances.
- Analyse overheads and prepare accruals.
- Ensure timely preparation of reports for monthly divisional executive meetings, including:
- Month-end commercial reports.
- Provide explanations for variances in key P&L areas against expectations.
- Prepare monthly and biannual sales reports for external third parties.
Ad Hoc Financial Analysis
- Conduct financial analyses to support commercial decision-making within the division.
- Generate sales reports for key brand/author presentations with external partners.
Qualifications & Experience:
Essential:
- Demonstrated interest in pursuing an accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA or CIMA).
- Experience working in a fast-paced finance team or office environment involving budgeting, forecasting, or month-end reporting.
- Comfortable explaining financial concepts to non-finance colleagues.
Skills & Abilities:
- Quick learner who can understand processes and execute them accurately with minimal supervision.
- Strong organisational skills with effective time management.
- Proficient in Excel with good analytical skills to investigate trends or variances in data.
- High attention to detail.
- Familiarity with Power BI, Business Objects, or similar reporting tools.
Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates
Junior Commercial Finance Analyst in London employer: Robert Walters Careers
Join a leading organisation in Walsall that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a Group Financial Controller, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a significant impact on the company's financial strategy. With a commitment to compliance and efficiency, this role offers a rewarding environment where your expertise will be recognised and appreciated.
