Lead Finance Analyst

Opportunity Overview: Lead Finance Analyst at Co-op Wholesale

Co-op Wholesale is experiencing significant growth, presenting a compelling opportunity for a Lead Finance Analyst to play a pivotal role in shaping its financial future. This position offers a competitive salary range of £45,000 to £50,000, complemented by an excellent benefits package.

The role is based in a hybrid model, requiring a blend of in-office presence across Manchester and Scunthorpe, with a dedicated minimum of one day per week in Scunthorpe. This hybrid approach offers flexibility while fostering strong team collaboration.

What the Role Entails:

As a Lead Finance Analyst, you will be instrumental in ensuring responsible cost management and supporting strategic investment decisions. Your responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating with cost centre owners and department leaders to manage budgets, analyze variances, and optimize expenditure, building robust cross-functional relationships.
• Partnering with the Financial Control team to ensure accurate monthly cost reporting, taking ownership of accruals and payments for Wholesale overheads.
• Developing and maintaining sophisticated financial models to underpin accurate reporting and forecasting, working closely with finance and business stakeholders.
• Owning the monthly Wholesale overhead cost reporting, including reconciliations and variance analysis across various business segments.
• Delivering detailed payroll analysis and cost reporting, encompassing salaries, group recharges, and associated accruals/prepayments.
• Analyzing financial trends to provide actionable insights that drive informed decision-making.
• Leading the weekly trade meeting reporting, collaborating with stakeholders to enhance reporting, processes, and data collation.
• Championing continuous improvement in forecasting, reporting processes, and planning tools.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

This role offers a significant opportunity for professional growth and impact within a growing organization. Key advantages include:

• Strategic Impact: You will directly influence decision-making by providing senior leaders with critical financial data and insights. Your work will help shape the financial direction of Co-op Wholesale, supporting long-term goals and investment priorities.
• Career Development: The emphasis on continuous improvement, coupled with training and support for career progression, provides a strong foundation for developing advanced analytical and leadership skills.
• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates strong engagement with colleagues across various departments, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Purpose-Driven Organization: Joining Co-op means becoming part of a member-owned organization that prioritizes people and communities, offering a sense of purpose beyond financial metrics.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Beyond a competitive salary, Co-op offers a robust benefits package, including an annual bonus, generous holiday allowance, excellent pension contributions, health and well-being support, and significant employee discounts.
• Hybrid Working Flexibility: The hybrid working model offers a balance between in-office collaboration and personal flexibility, with clear expectations for office attendance.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

To excel in this role and align with Co-op Wholesale's vision, candidates should consider the following:

• Financial Acumen: A strong foundation in accounting principles and experience with budgets, forecasts, P&Ls, balance sheets, and cash flow is essential. A recognized accountancy qualification (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent) is a prerequisite.
• Analytical and Technical Skills: Proficiency in advanced Excel functions (e.g., XLOOKUPs) and planning tools is critical for financial modeling and analysis. The ability to translate complex data into clear, understandable narratives is paramount.
• Stakeholder Management: The ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders across the business, effectively communicating financial insights to both financial and non-financial audiences, will be key to success.
• Proactive and Improvement-Oriented Mindset: Candidates who are proactive, driven by a passion for continuous improvement, and possess excellent attention to detail will find this role particularly rewarding.
• Adaptability: The fast-paced nature of a growing business requires adaptability and the ability to prioritize effectively.

This Lead Finance Analyst position is an excellent opportunity for experienced finance professionals seeking to make a tangible impact within a reputable and purpose-led organization. If you are driven by financial excellence and aspire to contribute to a company's strategic growth, this role presents a compelling career advancement.