Financial Analyst

Sterling Williams are actively supporting a growing FinTech (Regulated EMI) with their ongoing search for a Financial Analyst. Experience should be gained within a top-tier accountancy practice, with preference for candidates from one of the top 10 UK audit firms. We are happy to consider candidates making their first move from practice into industry. Financial Analyst Permanent; Full-time (Office based 5 days p/week during 3 month probation, then 3:2) Salary circa £ pa plus benefits (including lunch allowance) West End of London/Mayfair The Financial Analyst is primarily responsible for technical accounting matters and ad hoc projects across the business, including supporting the assessment and documentation of accounting treatments for new transactions and arrangements, and assisting the CFO and the Financial Controller with ad hoc projects and special tasks. The role's responsibility in relation to the monthly management accounts may extend to all group entities, together with general finance support across the wider group. Over time, the role holder is expected to develop into a super user of the Xledger accounting system. The role is well suited to a part-qualified or newly qualified accountant seeking to build strong foundations in financial reporting and analysis in a dynamic, fast-growing group. Key responsibilities • Contribute to technical accounting papers and memos under FRS 102 (and IFRS as applicable) for new transactions and arrangements, identifying the applicable accounting standards and documenting the basis for conclusions reached. • Assist the CFO and the Financial Controller with ad hoc projects and special tasks, including system-related initiatives as required. • Act as a critical thinker and advocate for AI adoption within the finance function, identifying and evaluating opportunities to apply AI tools to improve efficiency and accuracy. • Respond to queries raised at review stage by the Financial Controller or the auditors, providing clear written explanations of transactions and any corrective actions taken. • Support the preparation of the monthly management accounts, with this responsibility extending to all group entities as required. • Perform detailed data analysis and variance analysis to support business decisions. • Assist with the preparation of monthly MI reporting and board pack materials. • Support daily bank revenue postings and cash activity reconciliation. • Assist with statutory audit processes, including audit support and query resolution. • Develop into a super user of Xledger, building on the system implementation work already completed, to support ongoing system administration and improvement. • Ensure data accuracy and consistency across reporting systems. The successful candidate will likely have: • Currently pursuing or nearing completion of the ACA qualification (or equivalent ACCA/CIMA), or newly qualified. • Prior experience in an accounting or finance role gained within a top-tier accountancy practice (Top 10 likely) • Working knowledge of Xledger, or a comparable accounting system would be advantageous • Excellent Excel skills and familiarity with Power BI dashboards. • Good understanding of financial reporting frameworks, particularly FRS 102 and IFRS. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Strong attention to detail and organisational skills. • Ability to manage multiple deadlines across different entities. • Strong critical thinker, with an AI-native mindset and the ability to evaluate and adopt AI tools to support finance processes. • Critical thinking and sound judgement, including in relation to the adoption and utilisation of AI tools.