Commercial Finance Analyst

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As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. 

Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results. 

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Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands. 

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The Commercial Finance Analyst (CFA) works within the Commercial Finance team supporting the Commercial Finance Managers (CFMs) with business partnering and management and control of the Business Units. The CFA supports the Unit to provide ‘real time’ support and analysis. The CFA supports the CFM in providing accurate and timely reporting of weekly and monthly results with variance analysis, reviewing costs budgets, ensuring revenue is recognised correctly, SOX compliance is maintained and various ad-hoc analysis and projects. The team work to maximise the financial outturn of the firm and drive best commercial practice. The team’s framework is built around board-set KPIs which the team have a real impact in meeting and reporting back to the board.

This role provides a good opportunity to develop your commercial finance skills, to work closely with the consulting teams managing project commercials and expand your networks within Finance, other BP functions and consulting teams.

What does it take to be a good Commercial Finance Analyst?

It is this mix of analytical, commercial, technical financial and communication skills which are at the heart of successful business partnering.

• Proactive, solution-driven approach to working.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Actively influencing day to day decisions, shaping the direction of the business
• Be passionate about their role and the mission of the organisation and the CFO
• Work as part of a team; share knowledge, educate where possible, learn from and support the wider finance team to work as one

Key responsibilities

Commercial Finance

• Work with the Commercial Finance Manager(s) in providing financial, operational and strategic support to the Go-to-Market (GtM) leads, Partners and Leadership team.
• Complete monthly reporting of Business Unit Results. Including preparation and follow up of variance analysis to the GtM Lead.
• Preparation of forecasts and budget analysis for the Business Units to the GtM lead and FP&A.
• Support with monthly subcontractor revenue and cost accruals by reviewing the submissions from business teams to ensure accuracy.
• Support with revenue recognition reviews for Month\Quarter ends including:
  • checking and following up FP %Complete cost budget confirmations from the business teams
  • strengthen processes and uniform documentation capture for T&M writebacks
• Production of bespoke Sub-Sector Revenue, SOW & Pipeline reports for revenue forecasting
• Monthly and ad-hoc reporting for the specific GTM and Capabilities\Streams
• Supporting the CFM to advise the partner group on financial aspects for assignments, bids, proposals, pricing and reviewing commercial contracts
• Preparation of ad-hoc financial analysis and management of ad-hoc queries on GtM and capability financials.
• Development of key reports and ensuring these are kept up to date..
• Work with the CFM to complete internal & external audit requirements.
• Expense and cost analysis, review and investigation of out of policy/anomaly spend.
• Ensure all financial activities follow process and are SOX compliant.
• Support Project Administrator on project queries and technical accounting questions.
• Prepare IFRS templates throughout the audit cycle.
• Be a finance go-to to all people in the GTM. Take responsibility to find creative solutions to problems.
• Create and work across a network of colleagues in different functions.

Hybrid working - our approach is to be in the office or on client site a minimum of 2 days per week. However, the actual time you spend and where you spend it will vary by role or assignment.

• A minimum of a UK 2:1 degree in Finance/Accounting or equivalent.
• A-level: 3 B grades
• Part/Qualified Accountant or interest in starting Professional Qualification – CIMA, ACCA, ACA

Experience

• Prior management accounting/financial analysis experience
• Experience working with senior stakeholders in sometimes a busy/challenging environment
• Strong data analysis/excel skills
• Strong communication skills with Finance and Non-Finance Partners

Skills/Personal Qualities

• Intermediate to advanced excel skills (ability to manipulate data into meaningful insights – must be comfortable with pivot tables, lookups, if formulas and general data manipulation)
• Ability to communicate effectively with finance and non-finance personnel at all levels
• Enthusiastic team player
• Knowledge with previous accounting systems would be an advantage
• Ability to respond swiftly to different demands from the business and from management
• Prioritisation and time management
• Ability and interest to dig into and resolve complex commercial issues
• Willingness to have a voice, look to improve processes and influence stakeholders

We know the skill-gap and ‘somewhat need to tick every box’ can get in the way of meeting brilliant candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply – we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today by completing our online application

Please be aware that some of our UK roles at PA Consulting require a UK security clearance.

All PA people are required to undergo background checks and to achieve the Baseline Personnel Security Standard however, some UK roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, where applicants must have at least 5 years of continuous residency in the UK.

We therefore ask that you only apply if you meet the residency requirements (i.e. you are a British citizen or have been resident in the UK for the past 5 years), as this is the prerequisite for a security clearance. If you're unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to review the UK Government’s guidance on security vetting before applying.

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Our purpose guides how we work with our clients and our teams, and support our communities, to deliver insight and impact, solving the world’s most complex challenges. We're focused on building a workplace that values human difference and diverse mindsets, and a culture of inclusion and equality that unlocks the potential in our people so everyone can be their best self. 

Find out more about Life at PA here. 

We are dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, social and financial well-being of our people. Check out some of our extensive benefits: 

• Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days 
• Generous company pension scheme 
• Opportunity to get involved with community and charity-based initiatives 
• Annual performance-based bonus 
• PA share ownership 
• Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn) 

We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, or any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. 

Adjustments or accommodations - Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on [email protected] 



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