At a Glance
- Tasks: Support cash reconciliations and resolve complex financial issues for our food retail banking team.
- Company: Join Co-op, a member-owned organisation dedicated to community and purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, 28 days holiday, and discounts on Co-op products.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial accuracy and support confident decision-making.
- Qualifications: AAT qualification or studying towards it, experience with reconciliation systems, and SAP knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Finance Service Analyst to join the Sales to Cash team within our wider Co-op Business Services (CBS) organisation. CBS is made up of a number of diverse teams dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective business services across our Co-op. You’ll play a key role in helping CBS to support and realise our group vision of ‘co-operating to build more value for member owners every day’.
In this role, you’ll look after the cash reconciliations activity for our food retail banking team. Working closely alongside our Cash and Banking Manager, you’ll help to resolve complex reconciliation issues, making sure that our internal cash records always balance out against our official bank statements.
Why this role matters
This role plays an important role in keeping our Co-op financially accurate and accountable. By making sure our food retail bank accounts are properly reconciled, you’ll help us protect our finances and support confident decision-making.
What you’ll do
- Support with producing balance sheets and identifying and resolving complex reconciliation issues
- Develop user-friendly reports to help resolve reconciliation queries from our food retail banking team
- Collaborate with our Cash and Banking Manager to produce training guides and materials for our wider Sales to Cash team
- Make sure our ways of working are maintained across our wider team, and spot opportunities to improve processes where possible
- Support any relevant business change programmes and new system rollouts
What you’ll bring
We’re committed to making our roles as accessible as possible, so we only ask for the minimum criteria. To thrive here, you’ll need to bring:
- An AAT qualification (or be actively studying towards it)
- Experience using reconciliation systems
- Experience using SAP modules (e.g., SAP S/4 HANA, SAP ERP)
- Confidence handling large volumes of transactions
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to understand complex processes
- Good communication and relationship-building skills
Why Co-op?
At Co-op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:
- Annual bonus scheme (based on individual and business performance)
- 28 days holiday (pro-rata) plus bank holidays
- A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
- 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands
- Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
- Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
- 24/7 colleague support service
- Training and support for your development and career progression
- Cycle-to-work scheme
A place you’ll belong
We’re building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone, and our support centre is an inclusive environment where all our colleagues can thrive. If you have a disability, we’ll make reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process. We’re also proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme - if you’re disabled and you meet the minimum criteria for this job, we’ll guarantee you an interview.
Learn more about our recruitment process at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process. Explore our commitments to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion-wellbeing.
As part of your application, you'll need to complete an online assessment. This assessment typically takes up to 50 minutes. If you're a current Co-op colleague, this does not need to be completed.
Finance Service Analyst in Manchester employer: The Co-Operative Group
Co-op Legal Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees and the communities it serves. With a strong focus on professional development, you will have access to coaching and training opportunities, alongside a competitive benefits package including private healthcare and a generous pension scheme. Our inclusive work culture fosters diversity and belonging, making it a rewarding place to build your career in Manchester, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bristol, or Sheffield.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Service Analyst in Manchester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like The Co-Operative Group. 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 Finance Service Analyst in Manchester
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 The Co-Operative Group.
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How to prepare for a job interview at The Co-Operative Group
✨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 The Co-Operative Group.
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Since this is a full-time position, employers at The Co-Operative Group 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 The Co-Operative Group 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.
