Senior Business Analyst

An iconic international retail business is looking for a Finance Manager to join their office in Welwyn Garden City. Group Operations manage the planning and reporting for UK non-trading activities such as company acquisitions and disposals, employee rewards, group pension scheme, insurance and inter-company transactions such as as royalties and dividends. This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in high profile projects and to build relationships with other functions.

Key Senior Business Analyst responsibilities will include:

• End to end responsibility for the accounting of major transactions
• Reporting of periodic results including collating and reporting data from a variety of sources and entities and constantly reviewing and challenging accounting decisions.
• Exposure to specialist areas of accounting including pensions and insurance
• Creation of robust forecasts
• Regular analysis of variances to plan and to prior year, as well as ad hoc analysis on financial position and performance
• Maintaining and improving controls around monthly reporting as well as other processes within the team
• Involvement in the annual reporting cycle through year end reporting and note preparation
• Implementing and maintaining good financial control to ensure that we report business performance accurately
• Being responsible for accurate and timely accounting of major transactions and projects
• Lead the planning process for Group Operations, setting budget principles, manage reporting of variance to the plans
• Deliver reporting information and commentary that meets the periodic, quarterly and annual needs of the Group finance teams
• Manage the team reporting timetable and ensure all members are clear on their deliverables and commitments

Your characteristics:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA) or overseas equivalent
• Technical accounting / audit experience
• Strong understanding of both statutory and group financial reporting standards
• Ability to present complex data or transactions in an easily understood way
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Technical financial system knowledge
• Excellent organisation skills and multitasking abilities

This business is looking to hire an outstanding individual who has already achieved fast track progression. This is a fantastic Senior Business Analyst opportunity to join a fast paced and competitive culture with unrivalled succession planning opportunities, and this role is being recruited due to the current incumbent gaining a talent move. You will have the opportunity to progress further within group finance, or alternatively in to the wider business.