Finance Analyst, Hemel Hempstead

Commercial Finance, FP&A&Performance InsightDeliver clear, commercially focused financial analysis to support decision‑making across the organisation.Produce regular performance reporting, including analysis versus budget, forecast, and prior periods.Prepare variance analysis and concise commentary, highlighting key drivers, risks, and opportunities for senior stakeholders.Support annual budgeting and in‑year reforecasting cycles, ensuring assumptions are robust and well understood.Work closely with budget holders to improve forecast accuracy and financial ownership.Finance Business PartneringAct as a trusted finance partner to allocated teams, building strong relationships with non‑finance stakeholders.Translate financial data into practical insights that inform strategic and operational decisions.Provide constructive challenge to plans and assumptions, promoting cost awareness and financial discipline.Contribute to regular performance and review meetings, clearly presenting financial outcomes and forward‑looking views.Sales&Operations Planning (S&OP)Contribute financial input into the monthly S&OP cycle, supporting demand planning and product review discussions.Ensure financial forecasts reflect agreed operational and commercial plans.Prepare financial bridge analysis between planning cycles, explaining movements in volume, mix, and cost.Develop a strong understanding of end‑to‑end planning processes and act as a key finance contact for operational teams.Marketing&Advertising Spend ControlOwn and maintain spend tracking tools for marketing and advertising activity, covering commitments, actuals, and forecasts.Partner with relevant teams to ensure spend is accurately reflected and accruals are complete and timely.Report regularly on spend versus budget, proactively identifying emerging risks or savings opportunities.Continuously improve tracking and reporting to enhance transparency and support commercial decision‑making.Financial Close&Balance Sheet OversightPrepare and post monthly accruals and prepayments in line with accounting standards and internal procedures.Maintain accurate supporting schedules, ensuring balances are reviewed, reconciled, and released appropriately.Work collaboratively with the finance team to deliver a smooth and timely month‑end close.Ensure documentation is robust and audit‑ready.