At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse financial data to drive commercial decisions and improve business performance.
- Company: Join a successful, consumer-focused organisation with a high-performing finance team.
- Benefits: Gain valuable exposure, ongoing learning, and career progression in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Fully office-based role with opportunities to work alongside experienced finance leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business performance while developing your commercial finance expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial finance or finance analysis; strong analytical and Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Are you ready to take the next step in your commercial finance career and make a real impact within a fast-moving, consumer-focused business? We're partnering with a successful and well-established organisation that's looking for a Commercial Finance Analyst to join its high-performing finance team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain broad commercial exposure, work closely with senior stakeholders across Sales and Marketing, and play a key role in shaping business performance through insightful financial analysis.
As Commercial Finance Analyst, you'll become a trusted business partner, helping to drive commercial decisions by providing meaningful insight into trade investment, customer profitability, forecasting and business performance. Working collaboratively with Finance, Sales, Marketing and Demand Planning teams, you'll influence decision-making, improve financial performance and help ensure robust financial controls. If you enjoy analysing data, challenging assumptions and working closely with the wider business, this role offers the variety and exposure to accelerate your career.
- Manage the day-to-day processing and control of customer promotional activity and trade investment.
- Ensure promotional agreements, customer claims and rebates are accurately recorded, monitored and reconciled.
- Deliver insightful analysis on sales, revenue, gross margin, customer profitability and trade spend performance.
- Support monthly trade spend reviews, identifying commercial risks, opportunities and areas for improvement.
- Monitor sales and marketing expenditure, ensuring accurate month-end accounting and financial reporting.
- Produce meaningful financial reports that support strategic and operational decision-making.
- Build strong relationships with Finance, Sales and Marketing teams to understand business performance and key commercial drivers.
- Identify opportunities to improve reporting, processes and financial controls.
Experience within commercial finance, finance analysis or management accounting is required. A strong understanding of trade spend, customer claims, accruals and balance sheet reconciliations is essential. Excellent analytical skills with the ability to turn financial data into meaningful commercial insight are necessary. Advanced Excel skills and strong Microsoft Office capability are also required. You should be confident partnering with stakeholders across non-finance functions.
Part-qualified (AAT, CIMA, ACCA or ICAS) is desirable, although qualified by experience candidates will also be considered. Experience of Oracle and/or Essbase would be advantageous. You should be commercially aware, naturally curious and keen to understand what drives business performance.
This role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced commercial and finance leaders, with broad exposure across commercial finance, forecasting and business partnering. There is ongoing learning and career progression available. It is a fully office-based role where you can develop your commercial finance expertise in a business where finance is central to decision-making. You will gain valuable exposure to Sales, Marketing and customer profitability analysis, enjoying a varied, visible role where your analysis genuinely influences business performance. Join a supportive team that invests in your professional growth and long-term career.
To learn more or apply, please contact Laura Buchanan Owen for a private and confidential discussion.
Finance Analyst / Senior Analyst (FTC) in Edinburgh employer: Wilkinson and Associates
Join a dynamic and consumer-focused organisation that prioritises employee growth and development within its high-performing finance team. As a Finance Analyst, you'll enjoy a collaborative work culture that values insightful analysis and strategic decision-making, while also benefiting from ongoing learning opportunities and strong mentorship from experienced leaders. This fully office-based role offers the chance to make a tangible impact on business performance, ensuring your contributions are recognised and valued in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Analyst / Senior Analyst (FTC) in Edinburgh
✨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 Wilkinson and Associates. 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 Analyst / Senior Analyst (FTC) in Edinburgh
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 Wilkinson and Associates.
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 Wilkinson and Associates'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 Wilkinson and Associates
✨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 Wilkinson and Associates.
✨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 Wilkinson and Associates 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 Wilkinson and Associates 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.
