At a Glance
- Tasks: Automate reporting and simplify processes to enhance financial data accuracy.
- Company: Join World of Books, the largest seller of used books on a mission to promote sustainability.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, collaborative culture, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a dynamic, customer-focused environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values innovation and environmental sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience with financial systems and a knack for automation.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
6-month Fixed Term Contract
Most analyst roles in finance focus on keeping things running. This one’s about making them better – automating our reporting and building the fixes that make the numbers trustworthy, every month, without the manual patch-up.
About World of Books
We’re on a mission to become the Planet’s Bookstore. Founded in 2002 to give books a second life, we’ve grown into the world’s largest seller of used books – reaching millions of customers across the UK, US and Hungary. We’re a certified B Corp, and we’ve scaled profitably with investment from Livingbridge since 2021.
The Opportunity
Our FP&A team produces reliable management reporting and board-level analysis, but as the business has grown, so has the complexity behind it. This six-month FTC gives us dedicated capacity to automate reporting, simplify processes, and strengthen how data flows between our financial reporting and trading platforms.
You’ll report to our Senior FP&A Manager, take ownership of reconciling outputs between Vena (our CPM platform) and our trading/BI systems, and eliminate the manual steps that slow the team down. Financial systems experience is what matters most here – if you’ve owned Anaplan, TM1, Adaptive Insights, OneStream, Hyperion or similar, the skills transfer directly.
Contract: 6-month Fixed-Term Contract
Location: London, Victoria, UK (HQ) — hybrid working
Reports to: Senior FP&A Manager
Team: Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
What You’ll Be Doing
- Map the team’s reporting calendar and eliminate manual steps – extracts, consolidations, validations – through platform configuration, scripting and AI tooling.
- Investigate and resolve discrepancies between Vena and our trading/BI systems, fixing root causes rather than symptoms.
- Build reliable, repeatable reconciliation processes the team can trust – and keep using after your contract ends.
- Support the wider FP&A team with commercial analysis, reforecast consolidation and ad hoc requests across Supply, Demand and Operations.
What We’re Looking For
- A track record of finding manual steps in reporting and planning, and building automation to eliminate them.
- Experience navigating discrepancies between financial reporting and operational or trading systems – and fixing them structurally, not patching month by month.
- Hands‑on experience building, maintaining or administering a CPM/EPM platform (Vena, Anaplan, TM1, Adaptive Insights, OneStream, Hyperion or similar).
- High attention to detail – you sense‑check your own outputs before they reach senior stakeholders.
- Initiative and ownership: comfortable working independently and navigating ambiguity.
Why Join World of Books?
We work as one team, collaborating across every function. We’re customer‑obsessed – everything we build delivers value. We simplify, move fast and deliver results. We protect the environment – sustainability is core to what we do.
FP&A Analyst - 6 month FTC in London employer: World of Books
World of Books is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and sustainability in the heart of London. With a vibrant work culture that encourages collaboration and creativity, employees are offered ample opportunities for professional growth and development. The company's commitment to transforming the pre-loved book market not only fosters a sense of purpose but also provides unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FP&A Analyst - 6 month FTC in London
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like World of Books.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like World of Books might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace FP&A Analyst - 6 month FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at World of Books will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at World of Books. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give World of Books confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at World of Books
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with World of Books.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure World of Books that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
