Financial Planning and Analysis Analyst (Goodwood) at Oxford University Press Southern Africa

• The Financial Planning and Analysis Analyst position is responsible for analysing financial data to uncover trends, variances, and key performance drivers. The Analyst plays a critical role in supporting financial planning and strategic decision-making by delivering accurate reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. Through strong business partnering and collaboration with stakeholders, the Analyst ensures clear communication of financial performance and identifies opportunities to enhance business outcomes.
• The Financial Planning and Analysis Analyst will be reporting to the Senior Commercial Analyst. This post is based at Goodwood.

Principal Accountabilities:

Performance Monitoring

• Prepare local monthly management accounts and other financial reports.
• Assist with preparation and review group management accounts.
• Monitor financial performance across various business units and prepare regular updates and reports on financial performance.

Financial Planning:

•  Compile budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial plans.

Financial Analysis:

• Conduct detailed analysis of financial data to identify trends, variances, and key performance metrics.
• Assist in analysing business performance by gathering and organizing data to support insights and decision-making.
• Conduct margin analysis to identify trends and variances.
• Analyse cost drivers.
• Assist in assessing the financial impact of strategic initiatives.
• Provide data and analysis to support financial strategies.
• Assist in identifying operational improvements.

Financial Modeling:

• Build and refine dynamic financial models.

Financial Operations Support:

• Provide Africa Finance with relevant accruals, provisions and corrections journals.

Business Partnering and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with stakeholders at all levels, building strong relationships and ensuring effective communication of financial insights.
• Support the Senior Commercial Analyst and Financial Director with ad hoc FP&A and Business Partnering responsibilities

Internal Control:

• Control environment; Identification and flagging of financial, operational and compliance business risks for implementation of appropriate applicable controls

Requirements
Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor’s Commerce in Accounting or Finance (Honours degree in Accounting or Finance Advantageous)
• 4-5 years’ experience in FP&A financial analysis, management accounting or a related finance role
• Studying towards the ACMA, CGMA (CIMA) qualification (Advantageous)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting.
• Strong financial modeling skills, including scenario analysis and valuation techniques.
• Experience in budgeting and forecasting, with the ability to manage and improve planning processes.
• Working knowledge of SAP for financial data extraction and reporting.
• Proficiency in Business Intelligence (BI) tools such as Qlik Sense, Power BI, or similar platforms for data visualisation and performance tracking.

Attributes:

• Action and delivery oriented
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Researching, reporting and presentation skills across various levels and stakeholders
• Solutions-focused, innovative, with high levels of detail orientation
• Excellent planning and organising skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, effectively communicating and commitment
• Displays ethical behaviour