Finance Analyst

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.

Department: Finance

Location: Manchester

This role can be based at our Halifax or Manchester offices.

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.

• 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

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