Financial Analyst

We are excited to be recruiting for a newly created role within established and growing Finance team. This is a unique opportunity to join a stand-alone function, working directly alongside highly experienced leaders in the sector.

This is not a typical central finance role. Instead, you will be deeply embedded in the operational finance of our education contracts, and act as the analytical engine, diving into the details of the P&L to drive performance. This role is designed for someone ambitious and analytically minded; we anticipate a quick progression where you will develop into a Regional Finance Senior within a year.

Key Responsibilities

• Interrogate financial performance at a contract level. Analyse why a specific school is not meeting profit targets, identify areas of wastage, and assess key cost drivers such as labour and food costs.
• Work closely with operational managers to provide financial insights. Advise on overspending issues and support them in making data-driven decisions to improve profitability.
• Assist with the preparation of annual budgets and reforecasts, providing analytical support to ensure accuracy and realism.
• Support with the critical task of setting and reviewing tariffs to ensure commercial viability across the contract portfolio.
• Work in conjunction with the compliance person within the team to ensure adherence to company accounts and financial processes.
• Utilize the finance system to extract data and build models to support decision-making.

About You

• You may be a Part-Qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA) or a Qualified by Experience (QBE) accountant looking for a step up. Fully qualified individuals are also welcome to apply.
• You have experience interrogating profit and loss accounts and working with management accounts. Experience in a contract-based environment (catering, facilities management, or retail) is highly advantageous.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills are essential. You are confident using finance systems to manipulate and interpret data.
• You possess strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. You can work autonomously, present findings clearly, and influence non-financial stakeholders to take action.

What We Offer

• A clear path for progression, with a structured plan to step up into a Regional Finance Senior role.
• The autonomy to work independently within a dedicated team.
• A hybrid working model (3 days per week in their Macclesfield office) with only infrequent travel required.
• A competitive salary of £40,000 – £45,000.

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