Finance Analyst

We are looking for a skilled Finance Analyst to join a local council’s finance team on a 6-month contract. The successful candidate will support the council in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, ensuring that financial data is accurate and aligned with strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Analyse financial performance, identify trends, and provide insights to support decision-making.
• Provide financial support to various departments, ensuring alignment with budgetary constraints.
• Prepare detailed financial models to forecast expenditure and revenue.
• Support the monthly and quarterly financial reporting processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Assist in the preparation of reports for senior management and stakeholders.
• Monitor financial compliance with council policies and relevant regulations.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Strong experience in financial analysis, ideally within a public sector or local government environment.
• Proficiency in financial systems and advanced Excel skills (e.g., data modelling, pivot tables).
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and present insights.
• Attention to detail and ability to work with large sets of financial data.
• Effective communication and ability to work collaboratively with non-financial stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of local government finance or public sector accounting standards (CIPFA, IFRS).
• Experience working within a council or local government setting.