Appleyard Lees
Finance Analyst
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Finance Analyst
Department: Finance
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Manchester
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.
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
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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
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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.
We also offer:
- 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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