Finance Analyst

Department Overview

The Finance team is responsible for operational finance, external reporting and governance, management information and business decision support. The team is also focused on improving quality, control and efficiency through better processes, data, automation and the responsible use of AI. 

Role Overview

This is a broad role for a recently qualified accountant, combining management accounting, financial reporting and operational finance with the opportunity to help shape the Finance team’s use of technology and AI. The successful candidate will work closely with an experienced Finance Manager, initially preparing financial statements under supervision and taking increasing ownership as familiarity with the Group develops. The role will also provide planned and ad hoc cover for accounts payable. 

Key Responsbilities

• Work across the Finance team to deliver an accurate and timely month-end close. 
• Prepare monthly management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, supporting analysis and clear variance commentary. 
• Ensure completeness and accuracy of general ledger entries, including journals, accruals and prepayments. 
• Prepare entity-level financial statements and supporting schedules, initially under the supervision and review of an experienced Finance Manager. 
• Support the external audit process, including preparation of audit evidence and resolution of auditor queries. 
• Research and document accounting treatments, applying relevant accounting standards with appropriate review. 
• Provide analysis and financial input to projects, new business initiatives and management decision-making. 
• Provide cover for accounts payable, including invoice processing, payment preparation, supplier queries and maintenance of appropriate approvals and controls. 
• Identify opportunities to simplify, standardise and automate recurring Finance activities. 
• Support responsible adoption of AI-enabled tools across Finance by developing use cases, testing outputs, documenting controls and helping colleagues embed effective ways of working. 
• Assist with improvements to management information, data quality, process documentation and Finance systems. 
• Support wider Finance team priorities and transformation initiatives. 

Experience Required

• Recently qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA accountant, ideally with experience gained in audit, financial accounting or a broad in-house Finance role. 
• Strong grounding in financial accounting and experience preparing or auditing financial statements under IFRS and/or UK GAAP. 
• Practical understanding of management accounting, month-end close and balance sheet control. 
• Strong Excel skills and confidence working with financial data. 
• Demonstrable interest in technology, automation, data or AI-enabled ways of working. Experience improving a Finance process or using Power Query, Power BI, workflow automation or generative AI would be advantageous, but is not essential. 
• Investment management, banking or multi-entity experience is helpful but not a core requirement. 

About You

• Intellectually curious, highly motivated and keen to build a broad career across financial control, management information and Finance transformation. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, with the confidence to challenge existing processes constructively. 
• High attention to detail and a disciplined approach to producing accurate, well-supported work. 
• Able to manage competing priorities and deliver to monthly, year-end and project deadlines. 
• Comfortable learning new systems, experimenting with emerging tools and applying appropriate judgement and controls. 
• Clear communicator who can explain financial information and work effectively with senior colleagues, suppliers and external auditors. 
• Collaborative and willing to contribute across the Finance team, including providing operational cover when required. 
• Committed to using AI responsibly, with appropriate regard for data confidentiality, human review, accuracy and accountability. 

BlueCrest is committed to providing an inclusive environment for its workforce. As an employer, we provide equal opportunities to all people regardless of their gender, marital or civil partnership status, race, religion or ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation or nationality.