Finance Analyst - Business FP&A

## Review: Finance Analyst - Business FP&A at Bakkavor (Spalding) This opportunity presents a compelling position for an aspiring finance professional looking to make a significant impact within a leading fresh prepared food manufacturer. Bakkavor's commitment to evolution and diversification, as highlighted in their "We drive our own success" ethos, suggests a dynamic environment where your contributions are valued and can foster personal and professional growth. ### Advantages for Potential Candidates:

Career Development and Learning:

• Supportive Environment: Bakkavor explicitly states a desire to empower, engage, and enable their people, with a focus on fuelling ambition and guiding success. This indicates a culture that actively supports career progression and the realization of potential.
• Professional Qualification Support: The requirement for candidates to be "in the process of completing a professional accounting qualification such as AAT, ACA, ACCA, or CIMA" strongly suggests that the company supports ongoing learning and development in this area, which is invaluable for career advancement.
• Mentorship and Guidance: The role accountabilities mention assisting with audits and guiding Associate Finance Analysts, indicating opportunities to learn from and mentor others, further solidifying your understanding and leadership skills.
• Exposure to Diverse Operations: Being based at the Spalding site, which encompasses multiple manufacturing facilities and a distribution centre, offers exposure to a broad range of business operations and their financial implications.

Impact and Responsibility:

• Core Financial Management: You will be directly responsible for daily forecasting and reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. This is a critical function that provides direct insight into the business's performance.
• Strategic Support: The role involves delivering insightful financial analysis to support senior management and business partners, allowing you to contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Process Improvement: Actively driving process improvements and supporting key projects like centralization and IS transformation offers the chance to shape how finance functions operate and to implement innovative solutions.
• Relationship Building: Developing strong relationships with report users and stakeholders is a key aspect of the role, fostering collaboration and enhancing your communication and influencing skills.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Competitive Remuneration: A competitive salary is offered, complemented by a 10% bonus scheme, recognizing your performance and contribution.
• Holistic Wellbeing: Beyond standard benefits, Bakkavor emphasizes a commitment to wellbeing, offering emotional, physical, and financial support services. This proactive approach to employee welfare is a significant advantage.
• Extensive Perks: The benefits package is robust, including Private Medical Insurance, a range of voluntary benefits like a holiday purchase scheme, additional life assurance, and dental & hospital cash plans, alongside practical perks like free parking and a staff shop.
• Financial Support: Access to financial learning tools and affordable loans is a unique and valuable benefit, demonstrating a commitment to your overall financial health.

### Key Considerations for Candidates:

Location and Working Style:

• Site-Based Role: This is a site-based position in Spalding (PE11 2BB), requiring a commitment to a physical presence. While this offers direct engagement with operations, it's important to consider if this aligns with your preferred working style and geographical needs.
• Standard Working Hours: The role adheres to a Monday-Friday, 08:30-17:00 schedule. This provides a predictable routine, which can be advantageous for work-life balance.

Required Skills and Experience:

• FP&A Foundation: Previous experience in a similar FP&A or finance role is ideally required. Candidates should be able to demonstrate proficiency in financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly advanced Excel, are essential. Experience with Finance ERP systems and business reporting tools is highly desirable and will significantly strengthen your application.
• Analytical Aptitude: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are paramount for success in this role, enabling you to dissect data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights.
• Communication Skills: The ability to clearly convey complex financial information and support it with data and trend insights is crucial for effective collaboration with various stakeholders.

Career Path Alignment:

• Growth Trajectory: This role appears to be an excellent stepping stone for individuals aiming for more senior FP&A positions, financial controller roles, or broader finance management opportunities. The emphasis on process improvement and stakeholder management builds a strong foundation for leadership.
• Industry Exposure: If you are interested in the fast-paced food manufacturing industry and its unique financial challenges, this role offers a deep dive into the sector.

In conclusion, the Finance Analyst - Business FP&A position at Bakkavor offers a promising opportunity for ambitious finance professionals. The company's dedication to employee development, coupled with a comprehensive benefits package and a role that demands significant analytical and strategic input, makes this a potentially rewarding career move for the right candidate. Ensure your application clearly articulates your relevant experience, technical skills, and enthusiasm for contributing to a leading organization.