At a Glance
- Tasks: Automate finance processes and deliver innovative solutions to improve efficiency.
- Company: Join Universal Music, the leading music company shaping culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while working in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with Microsoft Power Automate and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Music is Universal. It’s the passionate and dedicated team at Universal Music who help make us the world’s leading music company. From A&R to finance, legal to digital, sales to marketing, Universal Music is the place to grow and develop your career within a truly commercial and innovative business that leads in everything it does.
Everyone is welcome to apply for our roles, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment because of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, age, marital status, background, pregnancy, or caring responsibilities. We also recognise the importance of diversity of thought within our teams and are fully committed to embracing the talents of people with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other forms of neurocognitive variation.
We will always seek to make appropriate adjustments to recruitment, workplaces, and work processes to be fully inclusive to people with different needs and working styles. If you need us to make any reasonable adjustments for you from application onwards, including alternatives to the online form or to disclose a neurocognitive condition, please email UniversalMusicCareers@umusic.com.
Role Purpose
We are looking for a highly motivated Finance Automation Specialist to join the Finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role will focus on identifying opportunities to automate manual finance processes, gathering business requirements, designing solutions, and independently delivering automation initiatives that improve efficiency, accuracy and controls.
Working directly with Finance stakeholders, the successful candidate will act as both a Business Analyst and Automation Developer, taking projects from initial concept through to implementation with minimal supervision.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify opportunities to automate manual finance processes.
- Engage with stakeholders to understand business requirements and document them clearly.
- Produce Business Requirements Documents (BRDs), process maps and solution designs.
- Recommend the most appropriate technology or automation approach for each business problem.
- Design, build, test and deploy automation solutions.
- Improve existing reporting and data processes.
- Integrate data from finance systems including SAP ECC, Excel and reporting platforms.
- Utilise AI-enabled development tools where appropriate to accelerate solution delivery.
- Document solutions and provide knowledge transfer to Finance users.
- Drive continuous improvement across Finance operations.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong experience with Microsoft Power Automate.
- Advanced Power Query (Excel and/or Power BI).
- Advanced Excel.
- Experience designing and implementing business process automation.
- Strong business analysis and requirements gathering skills.
- Experience writing Business Requirements Documents (BRDs).
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Solution-oriented mindset with excellent problem-solving ability.
- Experience using AI development tools such as GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Codex or Microsoft Copilot.
- Understanding of APIs, system integrations and data transformation.
- SQL knowledge.
Desirable
- SAP ECC.
- MicroStrategy.
- SAP BEx Reporting.
- Power BI.
- Python.
- VBA.
- SharePoint / Microsoft 365.
- Experience within Finance or Shared Services.
Personal Attributes
- Self-starter with a strong delivery focus.
- Able to translate business problems into practical automation solutions.
- Curious, proactive and commercially minded.
- Comfortable challenging existing processes and recommending improvements.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
About UMG UK
We are Universal Music Group UK – the UK’s leading music-based entertainment company. We exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. We help UK artists produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to inspire and entertain fans at home and around the world.
Bonus Tracks: Your Benefits
- Group Personal Pension Scheme (between 3% and 9%)
- Private Medical Insurance
- 25 paid days of annual leave
- Interest Free Season Ticket Loan
- Holiday Purchase scheme
- Dental and Travel Insurance options
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Salary Sacrifice Cars
- Subsidised Gym Membership
- Employee Discounts (Reward Gateway)
Just So You Know... The company presents this job description as a guide to the major areas and duties for which the jobholder is accountable. However, the business operates in an environment that demands change and the jobholder's specific responsibilities and activities will vary and develop. Therefore, the job description should be seen as indicative and not as a permanent, definitive, and exhaustive statement.
Finance Automation Specialist (12-Month FTC) – Kings Cross, London employer: Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration within the vibrant music industry. As a Global Finance Assistant, you will not only gain invaluable hands-on experience but also benefit from mentorship by seasoned professionals, ensuring your growth and development in finance. This paid opportunity allows you to contribute to exciting live projects while being part of a globally recognised company that values innovation and employee engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Automation Specialist (12-Month FTC) – Kings Cross, London
✨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 Universal Music 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 Automation Specialist (12-Month FTC) – Kings Cross, London
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 Universal Music Group.
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 Universal Music Group'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 Universal Music 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 Universal Music Group.
✨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 Universal Music 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 Universal Music 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.
