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Finance Analyst

Location: Hybrid/Manchester

Salary: £30-40k

Role Overview

We’re looking for a Finance Analyst to join a dynamic cost finance function and play a key role in providing clear, actionable analysis and insight across a large and complex cost base. You'll partner with senior stakeholders to support financial performance, identify cost efficiencies, and influence strategic investment decisions.

This role is ideal for a data-driven professional with strong Excel skills, experience working with large datasets and who is calm under pressure. 

Key Responsibilities

Business Performance & Analysis

Deliver high-quality cost reports, rolling forecasts, and variance analysis with clear narrative.

Support month-end close including journal review, accruals, and cost investigation.

Identify and validate cost-saving opportunities, supporting business case development.

Track delivery of financial benefits and use KPIs to monitor cost performance.

Contribute to budgeting and forecasting cycles for both staff and non-staff costs.

Stakeholder Engagement

Build effective relationships with business leaders as a trusted financial partner.

Present data-driven insights to support operational and strategic decision-making.

Promote ownership and accountability for cost performance across business areas.

Operational & System Excellence

Maintain and enhance financial planning models (Anaplan preferred; TM1 useful).

Perform regular checks and audits to ensure strong model governance and data quality.

Support improvements in internal reporting and business intelligence processes.

Continuous Improvement

Drive enhancements in automation, accuracy, and insight across cost reporting.

Provide modelling support across areas such as payroll coding and marketing campaigns (e.g. PPC, direct mail).

Bring a calm-under-pressure mindset with a strong focus on continuous learning.

About You

Essential

Strong numerical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.

Proficient in Excel and confident handling large, complex datasets.

Comfortable with error-spotting and working in data-heavy environments.

Experience with month-end, budgeting and forecasting processes.

Strong communicator, capable of turning complex analysis into clear, actionable insight.

Self-starter, collaborative and able to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable

Experience with Anaplan or TM1 financial planning systems.

Familiarity with payroll processes and cost centre coding.

Understanding of marketing expenditure (e.g. pay-per-click, direct mail).

Degree-qualified in Finance, Economics, or a related field