Graduate Accounting Analyst

THE ROLE

This is a graduate trainee role with exposure to the main finance streams of financial reporting and business analysis (whilst studying for ACCA/CIMA).

Add value to the business by providing timely, accurate financial analysis to enable business directors / department heads to monitor departmental / country performance. Provide regular management reporting to Sotheby’s internal management by the agreed deadlines; Reconciliation and control of the balance sheet accounts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Monthly Reporting

• Responsibility for the preparation of monthly results, variance analysis and commentary in accordance with the agreed corporate timetable for senior management review.
• To present draft and results to business directors / department heads, interpret and explanation of key variances.
• Act as the finance department contact for designated departments / countries; providing them with financial assistance and ad hoc analysis where necessary.

Monthly Forecasting

• Preparation of revenue and expenditure forecasts, variance analysis and commentary in accordance with the agreed corporate timetable for senior management review.
• To be able to interpret and discuss the forecast results with business directors / department / country heads.
• Act as the finance department contact for designated departments; providing them with financial assistance and ad hoc analysis where necessary.

 Reconciliation and Control

• Responsible for the account control and analysis of designated profit & loss and balance sheet accounts related to departments / countries across the business.

 Budgeting

• Responsible for the compilation of the annual budget in conjunction with the business director / department / country heads.

 Team

• To build strong working relationships within finance and the business.
• To contribute to the wider team during month end, forecast and budgeting to provide timely and accurate reports and analysis for senior management.

 Other Duties

• Providing various ad-hoc analysis as required within finance by finance managers and finance directors.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Graduate with a 2:1 or above. Preferably in a finance, business, economics or mathematics background.
• Minimum ‘A’ grade at Maths GCSE (or equivalent).
• Excellent communication (written and spoken) and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships both within finance and with stakeholders at all levels.
• Organised, confident and driven to achieve.
• Attention to detail and maintains accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Creative problem-solving ability.
• Previous management accounting / financial accounting experience, particularly in interpreting results to financial and non-financial individuals.
• Strong Excel and analytical skills.
• Prior knowledge and experience working with BI/reporting tools and SAP would be advantageous but not essential.