Financial Analyst

Summary: The role of Finance Analyst at a public sector organization in East Kilbride involves managing month-end processes, producing management accounts, and providing financial analysis to support budget holders. The position requires on-site presence for four days a week and focuses on improving financial reporting and processes while ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The contract is initially for three months and falls inside IR35 regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for month end processes and the timely production of accurate monthly management accounts with relevant commentary for Management and Groups.
• Provide supporting analysis on variances to budget and forecast and liaise with the Director and budget holders on corrective follow up actions.
• Support the development and implementation of a standard monthly financial performance reporting pack, providing support to budget holders in interpreting and understanding their financial performance.
• Ensure financial data structure is accurate and regularly reviewed/maintained through liaison with key stakeholders.
• Support the preparation of the annual budgets in line with set timescales, including analysis of designated areas of income/expenditure and impact on KPIs.
• Provide standard budget reports with the Director with support on interpretation and understanding.
• Ensure robust quarterly forecasts with full analysis and commentary on variances to budget.
• Support Director in conducting six monthly reviews with budget holders.
• Work with Leaders in preparing costings for projects.
• Understand financial requirements and regulations of different councils and charitable bodies for establishment of contracts and collaborative agreements.
• Support the Legal and Contracts department for construction and execution of contracts.
• Work with other members of the organisation for coordination of money.
• In conjunction with colleagues, prepare reporting and analysis of operational metrics and targets that align to delivery of KPI’s.
• Using analytical insight identify existing or anticipate gaps and opportunities not fully exploited to support the delivery of key metrics and targets.
• Work closely with the Executive Group to develop action plans and support strategic improvements.
• Identify inefficiencies across financial functions and partner with key stakeholders to streamline processes.
• Ensure that processes are continually improved in terms of relevance, efficiency, data quality and analytical insight.
• Support the implementation and transition to the new financial system.
• Work closely with relevant teams to ensure data migration accuracy and system optimisation.
• Provide training and support to colleagues, ensuring effective adoption and utilisation of the new system.
• Identify and resolve potential challenges during system rollout, ensuring seamless integration into financial operations.
• Support with the development and delivery of a programme of training and support that delivers a step change in the financial awareness and capability of colleagues across the organisation.

Key Skills:

• Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (Ordinary Degree, SVQ level 4) or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training) and experience of personal development in a similar or related role.
• Understanding of how to use IT systems such as MS products and financial accounting software, including Sage and Agresso.
• Knowledge of financial and accounting policy and procedures.
• Comprehensive knowledge of business processes and the relevance to financial operations.
• Able to act on initiative, identify opportunities and is proactive in putting forward ideas and Solutions.
• Effective team worker, able to influence across formal organisational reporting lines.
• Highly effective oral and written communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to challenge assumptions and practices with diplomacy.
• Able to prioritise workload to deliver to tight deadlines and manage competing demands from various stakeholders.
• Proactive and resilient, able to maintain momentum in the face of obstacles and setbacks.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving capability, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• An ability to demystify complex financial concepts for non-financial colleagues.
• Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft packages such as Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint; and accounting software packages.
• Experience, or evidence of progression and development gained through relevant work experience, gained within a large, complex organisation.
• Successful track record of working with non-financial managers to drive improvements in decision-making and financial performance.
• Significant practical experience of using computerised finance systems.

Salary (Rate): £300/day

City: East Kilbride

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: on-site

IR35 Status: inside IR35

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: Other