Senior Commercial Finance Analyst

At Browne Jacobson, we've always worked across business and society, and this expertise sets us apart. Social and environmental impact are at the top of our business agenda. We champion fairness, make the complex simple and forge connections between clients to find creative solutions. This is how we improve outcomes for every person, community and business we serve.

With offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin, Exeter, London, Manchester and Nottingham, we're a UK & I based law firm with an international reach. Our sectors include: health; real estate and construction; education; energy and infrastructure; financial services; government; insurance; manufacturing and industrials; and retail, consumer and logistics.

We nurture talent at all levels and from every background and celebrate what makes people individuals. Law needs all voices to reflect the society it serves which is why all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, social economic background or age.

We're a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who best meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role.

We strive to create meaningful personal and professional development opportunities and offer flexible working in support of a good work-life balance. We focus on wellbeing and individuality, so that all our people can thrive.

Why is this role important and how does it fit into the team, department and wider firm?

The Commercial Finance team drives the performance agenda for the firm, setting financial projections and targets, maximising profitability of client relationships and raising the commercial awareness of colleagues around the firm.

We are seeking a Senior Commercial Finance Analyst to join the team as it continues to grow its influence in the firm. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced, data-curious, detail orientated Finance Analyst to contribute to the firm's growth agenda, supporting the Commercial Finance team with data insights, visual reporting, process improvements and process efficiencies.

What does the role actually involve?

As a Senior Commercial Finance Analyst, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping our firm's financial future. By leading our FP&A function, you'll deliver critical insights that inform strategic decisions and drive sustainable growth. The role provides support to the Commercial Finance Business Partners and Head of Commercial Finance and has direct support from two Finance Analysts. Responsibilities may include:

1. Line management of two Finance Analysts, including prioritisation of analyst resources in response to the needs of the team and business stakeholders.
2. Ownership of commercial finance data quality, liaising with the firm's IT and HR teams to ensure data is accurate and fit for purpose.
3. Execution of Commercial Finance's data, reporting and technology strategy, including the harmonisation of best-practice reporting across the team.
4. Building and executing a strategy to maximise use of the team's Workday Adaptive Planning software.
5. Creation of monthly reporting packs for the firm's Executive committee and Board.
6. Ownership of the team's pricing intelligence and competitor analysis, creating a process to capture and analyse external data from the UK legal services market.
7. Analysis of existing client pricing with recommendations for rate increases to support the firm's income growth targets.
8. Building and maintaining analytical tools to further the team's commercial capabilities, such as resource leverage models, deal pricing optimisers and bid templates.
9. Supporting the Commercial Finance Business Partners and Head of Commercial Finance with data, insight and reporting requests.
10. Driving innovation in reporting, including the recommendation of emerging technologies, tools and processes.
11. Supporting the continuous improvement philosophy of the team by thinking creatively and challenging established processes to ensure the team operates efficiently.

What technical skills are required for someone to be successful and enjoy the role?

1. Qualified accountant with one of the following qualifications (ACA/ACCA/CIMA).
2. Minimum three years experience in a similar Commercial Finance or FP&A analyst role, with a proven history of managing to deadlines, prioritising workloads and delivering to multiple stakeholders.
3. Advanced-level Excel skills, in particular being able to handle large complex data sets and create appropriate financial models.
4. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build credibility and manage expectations with senior stakeholders.
5. Strong presentation skills, with an ability to explain complex financial data in simple terms.
6. Previous people management experience is preferred, but not essential.
7. Flexibility and the ability to operate in a changing environment.

Who would be a good fit for this role?

As part of the Commercial Finance team, you would be expected to have the following skills and experience:

1. Strong commercial acumen and business partnering skills.
2. Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
4. Data-curious and creative, with an ability to challenge existing practices.
5. Ability to build relationships and influence at all levels.
6. Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently.
7. A team player with a collaborative approach.
8. A positive can-do attitude, with a flexible and independent mindset.