Finance Analyst

Finance Analyst

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Manchester

Description

Do you enjoy getting to the bottom of a problem? We are looking for a hands-on Finance Analyst to join our Finance team. You’ll combine systems problem-solving with accurate reporting and core accounting, keeping billing running smoothly and making our management information clear and reliable.

In a typical week, you might be asked:

•  “This bill isn’t working; find out why” You’ll go into the system, trace the data and the process, work out what’s wrong and fix it or explain what needs to happen

•  “Here’s the bank account; reconcile it.”

• “Here’s the WIP and debtors’ data; turn it into a useful report.”

That mix of systems curiosity, reporting skills and accounting accuracy matters more to us than any particular qualification.

You will report to the Finance Manager and join a team focused on a faster month end, stronger controls and better management information. 

Key Responsibilities

• Billing and systems support:  resolve billing queries and system/data issues, working with billers, fee earners and support teams to improve billing processes and system use

• Reporting and analysis: produce regular WIP, debtor, revenue and billing reports; deliver ad hoc analysis for the Finance Director/Finance Manager; support budgeting, forecasting and management information

• Accounting and month end: carry out bank and balance sheet reconciliations, assist with month end journals and management accounts, and maintain accurate financial records and schedules

• Projects and improvement: support finance projects and system/process changes, helping to automate reporting and embed new processes and controls

Our Systems: Safe Intacct (general ledger), Equinox (practice management, time recording and billing), Excel and SharePoint. We are also introducing Power BI for WIP and debt reporting.

What you will need:

•  2–5 years’ relevant finance experience

•  Strong Excel skills, including working with large data sets

• Comfortable working with finance systems and investigating system/data issues

• Experience of reconciliations and month-end accounting

• An understanding of WIP, billing, debtors and revenue

• The ability to produce, manipulate and present financial reports

• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

• Confidence communicating with non-finance colleagues, including fee earners

It would be great if you also have:

• AAT qualification, or part-qualified CIMA or ACCA

• Professional services experience, including time-based billing and WIP

• Experience of Safe Intacct or a similar ERP system

• Experience of Equinox or another practice management or time and billing system

• Experience of Power BI or similar reporting tools

• Budgeting and forecasting experience 

Benefits

We pride ourselves on being small and friendly enough for you to get to know everyone – but big enough to offer you great career prospects. At Appleyard Lees, you won’t feel like a number or just another cog in the wheel. We understand everyone is individual and offer a friendly and supportive place to work and learn.

We also offer:

•  34 hour working week, Monday – Friday

• Hybrid working

• A supportive and friendly place to work and learn

• Annual salary review

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays

• Holiday Purchase Scheme

• Salary Exchange

• Life assurance

• Healthcare Cash Plan & Wellbeing App

• Group Income Protection

• Long Service Milestones

• Social outings

• Vouchers on Christmas, birthdays and special occasions

• Charity events