Finance Analyst London 2023

The EMEA Central Planning team are responsible for region wide financial consolidation, reporting and associated analysis of all planning cycles (AOP and all forecast cycles). The team provide direct support to the overall EMEA management team, working very closely with the Disney Entertainment Planning team in the US, as well as all LOBs and Markets across the EMEA region.

We are seeking a Finance Analyst to join the EMEA Central Planning Finance team based in London on a permanent basis.

Aims of the Job

The Finance Analyst will support the EMEA Central Planning team in the delivery of the forecasts, AOP, 5YP and each quarter end close. This will encompass preparing forecasting files, extracting and analyzing financial data and supporting specific cost centres and engaging with all EMEA markets.

Areas of Responsibility

Delivery

• Generate cost reports using finance and accounting systems to provide accurate data for use by Central Planning team and the cost centre leads for forecasts, budget and quarter end close
• Take responsibility for regular quarterly activities to ensure effective financial administration and cost management, including for example:
  • Prepare and regularly update cost templates
  • Quarter end close tasks, journals, accruals
• Work closely with specific cost centres (including but not limited to Public Relations/Communications and Technology) to ensure effective delivery of forecasts, budgets and close
• Review and consolidate EMEA market cost template submissions
• Seek to standardise and automate cost reporting wherever possible
• Review specific cost centres to identify issues, opportunities and possible solutions and flag them to wider team or business partners as appropriate

Business Partnering

• Work directly with cost centre leads to provide financial support and accurate reporting
• Engage with EMEA markets for accurate and timely submission of forecast, budget and close templates
• Assist more senior colleagues, within or outside of the immediate team, in preparing presentations to communicate clear financial messages to the business
• Ad hoc work as required

Management

• Manage end to end processes in support of planning cycles
• Provide robust, timely and accurate financial reporting to stakeholders
• Use Technology to automate wherever possible and drive better results
• Tailor messages appropriately to the audience

Experience and Professional Qualifications Required

• University degree or equivalent
• Part or newly qualified accounting qualification (CIMA / ACCA / ACA etc.)
• Experience of an equivalent analyst role in Regional Finance (preferred but not required)

Skills Required

• Attention to detail yet can also see the big picture
• Numerate and analytical with a desire to think through and resolve problems
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, where necessary
• Ability to produce clear and insightful analysis
• Ability to make recommendations and improvements
• Microsoft Systems knowledge, particularly Microsoft Excel and being comfortable learning new financial systems
• Strong communication skills both written and oral
• Proactive self starter and ability to learn and adapt quickly

Competencies Required

Thinks Strategically

• Understands the big picture
• Independent thinker and able to provide recommendations

Builds Relationships

• Interacts well with people who have different backgrounds and work styles

Drives Results

• Maintains awareness of upcoming deadlines and proactively manages expectations
• Achieves high levels of customer satisfaction
• Uses technology to facilitate better results

Communicates Effectively

• Involves others to gain support
• Able to adapt communication style based on audience

Exhibits Professional Excellence

• Earns the trust and respect of colleagues, partners and customers
• Maintains composure under pressure