At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage IT budgets, analyse financial data, and provide insights to support decision-making.
- Company: Join a leading law firm known for its collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent learning opportunities and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects and make a real impact in the tech finance space.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance analysis within IT and strong Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48600 - 59400 £ per year.
We are looking for a self-motivated individual who takes ownership, drives activities forward, and confidently leads conversations with stakeholders. The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently, while also collaborating effectively across teams to deliver business outcomes. Experience working within an IT environment and managing operational and project-related budget submissions is essential.
The role is responsible for the financial management of both operational and change expenditure across the IT function. This includes budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, reporting, and cost management activities. The successful candidate will gather, analyse, and interpret financial data, translating it into actionable insights to support decision-making by senior management.
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Planning & Budget Management: Own the end-to-end IT budget lifecycle (planning, forecasting, monitoring, submission of forecast to finance and supporting budget narratives). Monitor budget vs actuals and provide variance analysis.
- Project & Change Financial Management: Provide financial oversight of IT projects and programmes. Support business cases through financial modelling, cost-benefit analysis, and ROI tracking.
- Accruals & Financial Control: Manage month-end accruals to ensure accuracy of financial position. Work with Finance on accounting alignment. Maintain financial controls including invoice validation, invoice and PO processing.
- IT Contract & Supplier Financials: Understand IT contracts and financial commitments. Track contractual spend vs budget. Ensure contract costs are accurately reflected in forecasts, maintain narratives associated with significant changes in budget.
- Financial Reporting: Generate reports and projections, present findings to management. Prepare regular dashboards and presentations for management.
- Risk Assessment: Conduct assessments, develop risk mitigation strategies.
- Cost Analysis: Identify cost-saving opportunities and improve profitability.
- Compliance: Ensure adherence to financial regulations and company policies.
- Collaboration: Act as a finance partner to IT leadership and project managers. Engage senior stakeholders and provide financial insights to support decisions.
Qualifications/Experience:
- Experience in Finance Analyst role in IT/technology.
- Strong budgeting, forecasting, and accruals experience.
- Experience supporting IT projects and managing budgets.
- Understanding of IT contracts.
- Strong stakeholder engagement.
- Advanced Excel skills.
- 3-5 years of relevant finance experience or accounting experience, preferably in a decision support / management information capacity within a projects / professional services / technology organisation.
Education:
- Bachelor's in Finance or qualified / part qualified in a related field such as Accounting / Financial Planning (e.g., CIMA) preferred.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in financial modelling, data analysis, and reporting software (e.g., Excel).
Analytical Skills:
- Strong ability to interpret complex financial data.
Communication Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
Attention to Detail:
- High accuracy in analysis and reporting.
Organizational Skills:
- Manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines. Strong at planning and prioritising workload.
Key Competencies:
- Critical Thinking: Data-driven decision-making. Ability to translate IT activity into financial impact. Strong commercial awareness. Ability to operate at both detailed and strategic levels.
- Team Player: Collaborative work. Motivated individual that owns their workload and when required steps out of their area of responsibility to achieve the best outcome.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to changing business needs. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
- Integrity: Ethical handling of confidential information.
We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment.
IT – Finance Analyst in Bristol employer: Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where legal professionals can engage with high-profile clients and complex competition law issues. The firm prioritises employee growth through mentorship from experienced partners and provides a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding legal careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT – Finance Analyst in Bristol
✨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 Simmons & Simmons. 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 IT – Finance Analyst in Bristol
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 Simmons & Simmons.
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 Simmons & Simmons'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 Simmons & Simmons
✨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 Simmons & Simmons.
✨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 Simmons & Simmons 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 Simmons & Simmons 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.
