Business Analyst

BUSINESS ANALYST

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

My client, a centrally based transport focused business is looking for a newly qualified Business Analyst.

The Business Analyst reports to the Head of Business Solutions and provides close strategic and analytical support to the Head of Business Solutions and the London Management Team. This includes:

• Assisting in the delivery of strategy and providing timely management information and more insightful business analysis to help management to make more informed commercial decisions.

• Partnering effectively with the stakeholders of the business with responsibility for the long term business plans, budgets and reforecasts and management accounts analysis.

• Providing robust and accurate analysis of business development opportunities, using informed evidence-based decision making.

DIRECT ACCOUNTABILITY

• Provide strategic finance support to operational teams through accurate and insightful financial / investment analysis.
• Drive accountability for and monitor progress towards achievement of targets; propose and champion ideas and actions to ensure delivery.
• Provide input into the leadership team, challenging strategic and tactical decision making from both a business and financial perspective. Actively influence early thinking to ensure that all major operational decisions are taken with sufficient understanding and buy-in to their financial consequences.
• Financial reporting and underlying trend analysis.
• Delivery of Forecast and Budget process - delivering the annual budget and quarterly forecasts. Supporting the management team in the preparation of budgets and quarterly forecasts.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• The person in this role must quickly establish credibility and appropriately influence multiple stakeholders and across project teams.
• Drive the performance of the business and ensure appropriate reporting, MI and KPIs are utilised to track progress and aid rapid decision making and prioritisation to drive profitability.
• Proactively analyse, interpret and communicate financial data as appropriate to facilitate effective decision making.
• Keep up-to-date of current and potential industry developments which could have a financial impact, conducting benchmarking of competitors, assessing the risks/opportunities and advising the Head of Business Solutions and management team in a timely manner.
• Ensure the provision of accurate, relevant and timely financial information to the Head of Business Solutions and management team.
• Proactively identify key risks and opportunities in the business and maintain a register to mitigate/attain them.
• Accounts investigation - branch and root review of the entire profit and loss account and balance sheet to understand current accounting practices and that they conform to appropriate accounting standards.
• Provide financial impact scenarios for all business changes / planning activities. Evaluate cost reduction opportunities and advise accordingly, allowing for financial implications to be included within the decision making process.
• Liaise with Shared Services team on a weekly P&L estimate and provide a commercial view on any accounting queries from the Shared Services team.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

This role requires:

• A qualified accountant, CIMA desirable.
• An excellent academic record with a strong financial background.
• A very high level of commercial awareness and evidenced ability to liaise closely with business and finance teams to ensure business information and activity is congruent and consistent.
• Strong focus on delivery to tight deadlines.
• Evidence of strong influencing skills and a record of delivering change
• Awareness and appreciation of the demands of conflicting business and customer interests and the need to meet statutory requirements.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Strong commercial drive and analytical capability.
• Ability to work as a supportive member of a team or independently and to be a self-starter (with drive, a dynamic work ethic and an ability to prioritise effectively).