Finance Analyst in London

Finance Analyst in London

London Entry level 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Analyse financial data, support budgeting, and provide insights for government services.
  • Company: Join a leading provider of integrated corporate services for the UK government.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a world-class pension, and serious career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation across multiple government departments.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on public services while developing your finance skills.
  • Qualifications: Pursuing or holding a recognised finance qualification; strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Location: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, London, Salford

About the job:

The Integrated Corporate Services (ICS) is a shared corporate service providing corporate services (HR, Finance, Digital, Commercial, Security and Estates) across the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT). Our team of over 400 professionals will be leading the way in how these functions will be delivered in the future. Our ambition is to be the leading provider of integrated corporate services for government and set the standard for quality, efficiency, and innovation in our field.

We offer great working benefits including a world-class pension, flexible working options and a career where your learning and development is taken seriously. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Job description:

The Matrix Programme is a transformation initiative involving 7 Government Departments. It is a unique cross-government collaboration that will unlock simpler, better, and more joined up working by bringing together the systems, processes, and ways of working for key government functions. Over the coming months we will be preparing to roll out Neo, our powerful new HR and Finance technology and service for the Matrix cluster - driving a more modern, digital government. The first Departments will go live in June 2026. Neo is a cloud-based system, powered by Workday that will replace legacy HR and finance technology and offline processes across multiple Government Departments and associated Arm's-Length Bodies (ALBs).

This role provides accounting, budgeting and financial management support for the NCO, providing awareness of drivers of financial performance, supporting accurate forecasting and reporting and engaging in the budget setting process.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collect, analyse and interpret financial data from service providers and provide insight into financial performance, identifying and assessing opportunities for improvement.
  • Assist in developing financial budgets and forecasts for Neo services and prepare financial reports and dashboards to aid decision making.
  • Conduct variance analysis to compare actual financial performance across the cluster against budgets and forecasts, identifying mitigating actions where necessary.
  • Support the accurate allocation of costs across departments/ALBs, including when new services are added to the catalogue or existing services are changed.
  • Support the maintenance and updates to the charging model as required, including reflecting changes in expected volumes.
  • Support the tracking of benefits against the business case and help to identify corrective actions where required.
  • Carry out finance impact modelling as new departments/ALBs onboard to the service and advise on future service apportionment as required.

Essential Criteria:

  • Possession of, or active progression towards, a recognised industry-standard finance qualification (e.g. CCAB/CIMA or a Level 4 qualification with AAT, CCAB or CIMA).
  • Proven experience in collecting, analysing, and interpreting complex financial data to provide actionable insights into financial performance.
  • Strong capability in performing variance analysis and supporting the accurate allocation of costs.
  • Demonstrated ability to assist in developing financial budgets and forecasts, and to prepare accurate financial reports and dashboards.
  • Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
  • Team player with strong communication skills.

Desirable Criteria:

  • Experience in conducting finance impact modelling for new initiatives or onboarding processes.
  • Familiarity with or experience in supporting the maintenance and updates of charging models.

Behaviours:

  • Managing a Quality Service
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Delivering at Pace

For more information and to apply, please visit our website.

Finance Analyst in London employer: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)

As a Finance Analyst within the Integrated Corporate Services team, you will be part of a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee development and well-being. With flexible working options, a world-class pension scheme, and a commitment to inclusivity as a Disability Confident Leader employer, we foster a supportive work culture that encourages growth and innovation. Join us in delivering impactful services across government departments while enjoying the unique opportunity to contribute to a transformative initiative that shapes the future of public service.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)

Contact Details:

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Analyst in London

Get Involved with Campus Finance Societies

Join your university's finance or investment society — they're a goldmine for networking, guest lectures, and career fairs. These societies often host employers looking for entry-level talent like you, so get involved and make yourself known!

Attend Industry Workshops and Webinars

Look for workshops and webinars focused on banking and financial services. These events not only boost your knowledge but also let you connect with industry professionals who could help you land that entry-level role at places like The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

Leverage LinkedIn for Informational Interviews

Take advantage of LinkedIn to reach out to professionals working in banking, especially those who've started in entry-level positions. Politely ask for a quick chat about their experience and any advice they might have on breaking into the field.

Apply Directly through Company Websites

Don't just rely on job boards. Head directly to The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)'s careers page and look for their entry-level openings. They might have opportunities that aren’t advertised widely, so keep checking back for new listings!

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Analyst in London

Financial Data Analysis
Budgeting
Forecasting
Variance Analysis
Cost Allocation
Financial Reporting
Dashboard Preparation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Splash Your Skills on Your CV:In the banking and financial services realm, it's all about numbers and analysis. Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or projects where you've used skills like financial modelling, data analysis, or risk assessment. Show us you can crunch those numbers!

Educational Achievements Matter:For an entry-level role, your grades and academic accomplishments are key. If you have any certifications, like CFA Level 1 or something similar, don’t forget to include them. We love seeing ambition and commitment to the industry, so flaunt those achievements!

Craft a Personal Touch in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your enthusiasm for banking and finance! Share why you're passionate about the industry and how your studies or previous experiences have prepared you for this role. We want to see that spark and motivation!

Use the Right Format and Language:In banking, clarity is king. Use a clean, professional format for your CV and cover letter. Make sure to avoid jargon, but don’t shy away from technical terms where appropriate – just keep it all clear and easy to read. Let’s see your professionalism shine through!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)

Brush Up on Your Financial Knowledge

Since you're diving into the banking and financial services industry, make sure you're up to speed with current market trends and financial concepts. Be prepared to discuss things like interest rates and investment strategies, as you might get some technical questions that gauge your understanding.

Show Off Your Analytical Skills

Analytical skills are key in banking, so be ready to showcase how you've used them in your studies or any relevant projects. Prepare to tackle case studies or hypothetical financial scenarios during the interview that require you to analyse data and make informed decisions.

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

As this is an entry-level role, they’ll likely look for how well you can collaborate and fit into their team. Think of examples from group projects or internships where you successfully worked with others. It'll help show that you're keen to learn and grow in a team-oriented environment.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Approach your interview with curiosity! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your knowledge of the industry, such as asking about the latest technology being implemented in their services. It shows you're genuinely interested in the company's operations and future.