Finance Analyst- Financial Planning & Analysis
Finance Analyst- Financial Planning & Analysis

Finance Analyst- Financial Planning & Analysis

Reading Full-Time 34000 - 51000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive commercial decision-making through insightful analysis and data visualisation.
  • Company: Join a collaborative culture that values ideas and teamwork.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days annual leave, and professional study support.
  • Why this job: Be integral to strategic decisions and make a real impact on business performance.
  • Qualifications: Minimum 2 years in finance with strong Power BI and Excel skills required.
  • Other info: Opportunity for continuous learning and career progression.

The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ per year.

About the Client

They’ve built a collaborative culture where people are encouraged to get stuck in, share ideas, and help drive the business forward.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded finance professional to take ownership of key analytical outputs that influence strategic direction. You’ll be integral in driving commercial decision-making through insightful analysis, leveraging tools such as Power BI to bring data to life.

  • Building and maintaining Power BI dashboards and advanced Excel models to support business planning.
  • Providing clear financial insight into business performance, identifying trends and opportunities.
  • Supporting tender processes and new business initiatives with robust financial modelling.
  • Assisting with scenario and sensitivity analysis to support investment and pricing decisions.
  • Partnering with operational and commercial teams to translate financial data into actionable strategies.
  • Contributing to budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes.

You will have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a commercially focused finance role and hold a relevant degree in finance, accounting, or economics. Strong experience using both Power BI and Excel is essential, alongside proven analytical skills and a confident, communicative style.

This role offers 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays, an enhanced pension scheme and life assurance. Professional study support is also available to foster continuous learning and career progression.

Finance Analyst- Financial Planning & Analysis employer: Wade Macdonald

As a Finance Analyst in Reading, you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment that champions innovation and teamwork. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers 25 days of annual leave, an enhanced pension scheme, and professional study support to help you advance your career. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking a meaningful and rewarding role in financial planning and analysis.
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Contact Detail:

Wade Macdonald Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Analyst- Financial Planning & Analysis

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Power BI and Excel if you haven't already. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to enhance your skills, as these tools are crucial for the role and will help you stand out during the interview process.

✨Tip Number 2

Research the company’s recent projects and financial performance. Being able to discuss their business strategies and how your analytical skills can contribute to their goals will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare examples from your previous experience where you've successfully used data analysis to influence decision-making. This will showcase your ability to translate financial data into actionable insights, which is key for this position.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with professionals in the finance industry, especially those who work in commercial finance. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the job.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Analyst- Financial Planning & Analysis

Financial Modelling
Power BI
Advanced Excel Skills
Analytical Skills
Commercial Awareness
Data Visualisation
Budgeting and Forecasting
Scenario Analysis
Sensitivity Analysis
Communication Skills
Collaboration Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Strategic Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in commercial finance roles, particularly focusing on your analytical skills and proficiency with Power BI and Excel. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've influenced strategic decisions in previous positions.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company culture. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially your experience with financial modelling and data analysis.

Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your technical skills in Power BI and Excel throughout your application. Consider including a brief section that outlines your proficiency with these tools and any relevant projects where you utilised them to drive business insights.

Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about the types of questions you might be asked during an interview, particularly around your analytical approach and experience with budgeting and forecasting. Prepare examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities and how you've contributed to financial planning processes.

How to prepare for a job interview at Wade Macdonald

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used analytical skills in previous roles. Highlight your experience with Power BI and Excel, and be ready to explain how you’ve leveraged these tools to drive business decisions.

✨Understand the Business Context

Research the company and its industry thoroughly. Understand their financial goals and challenges, and think about how your role as a Finance Analyst can contribute to their strategic direction. This will show your genuine interest and help you tailor your responses.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially related to financial modelling and analysis. Practice articulating your thought process when faced with hypothetical scenarios, such as how you would approach a new business initiative or a tender process.

✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Since the role requires partnering with various teams, demonstrate your communication skills during the interview. Be clear and concise in your answers, and don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions if needed. This will reflect your ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights.

Finance Analyst- Financial Planning & Analysis
Wade Macdonald
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  • Finance Analyst- Financial Planning & Analysis

    Reading
    Full-Time
    34000 - 51000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-05-20

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    Wade Macdonald

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