Finance Analyst

<p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Department Overview</span></strong></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The Finance team is responsible for operational finance, external reporting and governance, management information and business decision support. The team is also focused on improving quality, control and efficiency through better processes, data, automation and the responsible use of AI.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":80,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Role Overview</span></strong></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This is a broad role for a recently qualified accountant, combining management accounting, financial reporting and operational finance with the opportunity to help shape the Finance team’s use of technology and AI. The successful candidate will work closely with an experienced Finance Manager, initially preparing financial statements under supervision and taking increasing ownership as familiarity with the Group develops. The role will also provide planned and ad hoc cover for accounts payable.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":80,"335559740":259}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Key Responsbilities</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Work across the Finance team to deliver an accurate and timely month-end close.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Prepare monthly management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, supporting analysis and clear variance commentary.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Ensure completeness and accuracy of general ledger entries, including journals, accruals and prepayments.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Prepare entity-level financial statements and supporting schedules, initially under the supervision and review of an experienced Finance Manager.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Support the external audit process, including preparation of audit evidence and resolution of auditor queries.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Research and document accounting treatments, applying relevant accounting standards with appropriate review.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Provide analysis and financial input to projects, new business initiatives and management decision-making.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Provide cover for accounts payable, including invoice processing, payment preparation, supplier queries and maintenance of appropriate approvals and controls.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Identify opportunities to simplify, standardise and automate recurring Finance activities.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Support responsible adoption of AI-enabled tools across Finance by developing use cases, testing outputs, documenting controls and helping colleagues embed effective ways of working.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Assist with improvements to management information, data quality, process documentation and Finance systems.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Support wider Finance team priorities and transformation initiatives.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Experience Required</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Recently qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA accountant, ideally with experience gained in audit, financial accounting or a broad in-house Finance role.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Strong grounding in financial accounting and experience preparing or auditing financial statements under IFRS and/or UK GAAP.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Practical understanding of management accounting, month-end close and balance sheet control.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Strong Excel skills and confidence working with financial data.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Demonstrable interest in technology, automation, data or AI-enabled ways of working. Experience improving a Finance process or using Power Query, Power BI, workflow automation or generative AI would be advantageous, but is not essential.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Investment management, banking or multi-entity experience is helpful but not a core requirement.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none">About You</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Intellectually curious, highly motivated and keen to build a broad career across financial control, management information and Finance transformation.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, with the confidence to challenge existing processes constructively.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">High attention to detail and a disciplined approach to producing accurate, well-supported work.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Able to manage competing priorities and deliver to monthly, year-end and project deadlines.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Comfortable learning new systems, experimenting with emerging tools and applying appropriate judgement and controls.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Clear communicator who can explain financial information and work effectively with senior colleagues, suppliers and external auditors.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Collaborative and willing to contribute across the Finance team, including providing operational cover when required.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="List Bullet">Committed to using AI responsibly, with appropriate regard for data confidentiality, human review, accuracy and accountability.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":259,"335559739":50,"335559740":247,"335559991":187}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><em>BlueCrest is committed to providing an inclusive environment for its workforce. As an employer, we provide equal opportunities to all people regardless of their gender, marital or civil partnership status, race, religion or ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation or nationality. </em></p>