At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial modelling and analysis for exciting growth projects at Salutem.
- Company: Join a top employer dedicated to making a difference in care and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible pay, health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make an impact while building your finance career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance roles and strong Excel skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
The Operational Finance Analyst – Growth & Development will provide dedicated financial modelling, analysis and reporting support for Salutem's growth and development programme. Working within the Operational Finance team and closely with the Chief Commercial Officer, the postholder will help assess the financial viability of new services, schools, acquisitions, property developments, extensions, and major refurbishments.
The role will build and maintain clear, reliable financial models for project briefs and business cases, bringing together occupancy and referral assumptions, fee income, staffing structures, payroll costs, operating expenditure, capital investment and project timescales. The postholder will support informed investment decisions by testing different scenarios, clearly documenting assumptions and risks, and comparing approved models with actual performance as projects move through mobilization and into operation.
Salary: 28,000 – 32,000 | Location: Hybrid / Regional, with attendance at the Windsor office and project locations as required | Contract: Full-time, Permanent
What you'll do:
- Build and maintain financial models for new services and growth opportunities, covering income, staffing, operating costs and capital investment.
- Prepare scenario and sensitivity analysis to support business cases and investment decisions.
- Convert approved models into mobilisation budgets and project trackers.
- Monitor new services' performance against their business cases and explain variances.
- Provide management accounting support, including accruals, prepayments and reconciliations.
Who we're looking for:
- Experience in an accounts, finance assistant or assistant management accountant role.
- Strong Excel skills, with confidence building structured calculations.
- A good understanding of profit and loss, accruals, prepayments and cost drivers.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to explain findings to non-finance colleagues.
- Working towards, or willing to work towards, AAT, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent.
Desirable:
- Experience producing financial models or business cases for new services or property projects.
- Experience with Sage 200, Power BI or Power Query.
- Experience in social care, education, healthcare or another regulated multi-site environment.
Our Core Values:
- Supportive: Helping everyone reach their full potential.
- Ambitious: Striving for the best outcomes.
- Loyal: Prioritising our staff and the people we support.
- Unique: Innovating without compromising quality.
- Transparent: Fostering openness and mutual respect.
- Engaging: Partnering with everyone involved.
- Meaningful: Offering fulfilling opportunities.
Why Choose Us?
- Emotional Support: 24/7 Employee Assistance, mental health resources, meditation apps, and bereavement support.
- Medical Support: Free Online GP access, Health Cash Plan, Cancer Cover, and Menopause support.
- Financial Support: Flexible pay with Wagestream, utility bill savings, Money Helper, and Life Assurance.
- Physical Support: Online workouts, Cycle to Work scheme, gym discounts, and National Trust activities.
Salutem Care and Education is dedicated to protecting and promoting the well-being of children, young adults, and vulnerable individuals. As part of our safer recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to complete thorough pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS and, where applicable, overseas criminal record checks.
Operational Finance Analyst – Growth & Development employer: Salutem Shared Services
Salutem Care and Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and ambitious work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With a strong focus on professional development, the Senior Quantity Surveyor role provides opportunities to shape a new commercial function while benefiting from comprehensive support systems, including mental health resources and flexible pay options. Located in Windsor with hybrid working arrangements, this position allows for meaningful contributions to impactful projects within a recognised top employer environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Finance Analyst – Growth & Development
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Salutem Shared Services. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Salutem Shared Services.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Salutem Shared Services. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Finance Analyst – Growth & Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Salutem Shared Services and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Salutem Shared Services how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Salutem Shared Services
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Salutem Shared Services.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Salutem Shared Services's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
