At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial insight, reporting, and analysis across various central functions.
- Company: Join Shoosmiths, a top law firm known for innovation and excellent service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in FP&A while working with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant or relevant FP&A experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
The FP&A Analyst will support the Finance Business Partner – Business Services in delivering high-quality financial insight, reporting and analysis across Shoosmiths’ central functions, including IT, HR, Business Development, Property, Risk and Finance. The role will play an important part in budgeting, forecasting, performance reporting and cost analysis, helping stakeholders to understand financial performance and make informed decisions. This is an excellent opportunity for a developing FP&A professional to build strong commercial insight and business partnering capability within a complex professional services environment, with exposure to senior stakeholders across Business Services.
Key Responsibilities will include:
- Financial Reporting & Analysis: Produce timely and accurate management information for Business Services functions, including monthly reporting, variance analysis and clear commentary. Analyse cost trends, drivers and performance against budget and forecast across assigned central functions. Support the development and tracking of KPIs and performance metrics to improve visibility of Business Services performance.
- Budgeting & Forecasting: Support the annual budgeting and periodic reforecasting processes for assigned Business Services functions. Work with budget holders and functional leads to gather inputs, challenge assumptions and ensure consistency with firm-wide planning. Maintain forecast models, supporting schedules and planning assumptions for Business Services areas.
- Business Partnering Support: Act as a key finance contact for Business Services teams on day-to-day financial queries and reporting support. Support the Finance Business Partner in preparing materials and analysis for stakeholder meetings with Business Services Directors and senior managers. Help translate financial data into clear, meaningful insight for non-finance stakeholders and support effective decision-making.
- Decision Support & Projects: Assist with investment appraisals, business cases and cost-benefit analysis to support prioritisation and decision-making. Support ad-hoc analysis for strategic initiatives, transformation projects and efficiency opportunities across Business Services. Contribute to continuous improvement of FP&A processes, reporting, planning and controls across Business Services.
- Systems & Data: Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data used for reporting, forecasting and analysis. Help improve the use of finance systems, planning models and reporting tools to strengthen insight and efficiency. Document processes and support greater standardisation across FP&A and Business Services reporting activities.
Skills & Experience
- Essential: Part-qualified or newly qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA), or equivalent relevant FP&A / commercial finance experience. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial information and turn it into clear, actionable insight. Good Excel and financial modelling capability, with confidence working with data and reporting tools. Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively with non-finance stakeholders across central functions. Experience in an FP&A, management accounting or commercial finance role.
- Desirable: Exposure to budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting processes. Experience in a legal, professional services or other complex people-cost-led environment would be advantageous.
Personal Attributes:
- Curious, proactive and keen to understand the drivers behind financial performance.
- Comfortable working with detail while maintaining awareness of the wider commercial context.
- Well organised, collaborative and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Eager to learn, build business partnering capability and develop within FP&A.
The Firm: Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits. Shoosmiths is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. Disability Confident is a government scheme designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term conditions. The Disability Confident scheme replaced the Two Ticks Positive about Disabled People scheme. We had been accredited as a two tick employer for many years - Disability Confident broadens and develops that original commitment, and demonstrates we have adopted a proactive approach to employing disabled people and developing their abilities. As part of our accreditation, we commit to interviewing any applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for each vacancy. In some circumstances we may only be able to interview those that best meet the essential criteria due to the volume of applications received. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to and usable by everyone. If you have a disability or long-term condition and would like to receive information in a different way, or need us to make any adjustments, changes or do anything differently during the recruitment process, please get in touch with the Talent Acquisition Team. We can consider your needs and requirements, and how we can assist you to apply for our roles. For example we can provide a copy of our application via email so that you can complete it using your own accessibility software.
FP&A Analyst in Birmingham employer: Shoosmiths Solicitors
Shoosmiths is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where employees are empowered to be their authentic selves while delivering high-quality financial insights. With a strong commitment to employee growth, comprehensive benefits, and a culture that prioritises inclusivity and innovation, this role as an FP&A Analyst provides a unique opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive team, engaging with senior stakeholders across various central functions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FP&A Analyst in Birmingham
✨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.
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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 Shoosmiths Solicitors. 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 FP&A Analyst in Birmingham
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 Shoosmiths Solicitors.
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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Shoosmiths Solicitors
✨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 Shoosmiths Solicitors.
✨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 Shoosmiths Solicitors 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 Shoosmiths Solicitors 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.
