Finance analyst - business planning

Ref: UKWTS328
Region: UK - Heathrow
Location: UK - London - Waterside
Category: Head Office Opportunities

A fantastic opportunity to join the dynamic Finance team within the BA Group.

The role allows you the opportunity to be part of the team responsible for consolidating and analysing the long term forecast and future performance of the BA Group.

Job Description

Closing Date: 08 August 2014

Job Purpose

Proactive provision of comprehensive and insightful financial and business information to champion recommendations relating to BA’s financial performance of the relevant business unit, to support the Finance Manager/Finance Business Partner to drive the business to achieve its financial and related productivity targets, ensure compliance with all corporate governance requirements and maintain an adequate level of internal control.

Job Dimensions

The job dimensions of the role will be specific to the BA business unit that the role supports and will include Revenue (BA and Third Party), Operating Expenditure, Capital Expenditure, and Manpower.

Principal Accountabilities

Present complex information in an accessible and meaningful way to focus and drive improvements in financial performance
Prepare and track Business Plans, Financial Plans (includes budgeting, planning and forecasting) and Local Targets using appropriate modelling techniques where required
Control and decision support activities – Identify, influence and implement opportunities for cost reduction and/or revenue improvement through insightful monitoring and analysis of financial performance within the assigned BA business unit
Carry out analysis of unit cost and productivity measures, linking operational and financial performance, to identify areas for focus/change
Control and management of project accounting activities within assigned BA business unit, including insight and evaluation of project success, production of business cases which facilitates key investment decisions and robust tracking to ensure project control and delivery
Actively build and maintain strong relationships with finance and non-finance colleagues at all levels in BA and other airlines
Adhere to all corporate, statutory and regulatory requirements including BA Standing Instructions, BA Financial Standing Instructions, Financial Reporting Standards and International Accounting Standards
Identify opportunities for process improvements via automation and standardisation and support or manage the implementation of any changes
Work within and promote BA’s internal audit controls environment, implement control mechanisms, monitor, review and report against them and relevant statutory requirements
Ensure the efficient and effective implementation of appropriate actions and recommendations within the assigned BA business unit
Provide information, support and liaison where required to internal and external Auditors
Liaise with Accenture as BPO Provider to provide comprehensive financial accounting, management accounting and reporting to the business. Includes: balance sheets, manpower, capital, revenue and expenditure

Key Interfaces

BA Management team and colleagues in relevant business unit
BA Finance Manager, BA Finance Business Partner or equivalent
BA Procurement and other BA Finance departments
BA internal and external suppliers

The Individual

Skills

Strong influencing capability in driving key decisions through to successful conclusion
Ability to identify impact of decisions on the business and the Company’s key performance indicators
Project Management skills to manage project accounting activities from identification, evaluation, and approval; monitoring and analysis until close of the project
Able to build and maintain strong relationships with finance and non-finance colleagues
Proactive, taking the initiative to explore issues and to generate new ideas and approaches
Gathering and Processing Information – Applying analytical and problem solving skills including the ability to manipulate, analyse and interpret financial and business data
Ownership and Delivery - Takes responsibility for managing and prioritising own work with the resilience to work under pressure and deliver results to deadlines
Flexible in approach, responding positively to change
Strong team player
Good oral and written communication skills

Qualifications

Part or full professional finance qualification such as CIMA/ACCA or equivalent
Degree (desirable)

Experience

Business awareness and commercial acumen developed through the application of finance knowledge and experience
Management accounting and analytical experience is required
Proven capability to prioritise, work under pressure and operate to tight deadlines
Driving continuous improvements in financial performance to deliver overall strategic business objectives
Able to demonstrate strong or effective influencing and negotiation skills

Expertise

Good understanding of finance theory and good level of practical finance experience in management accounting, financial accounting and internal controls
Numerate and accurate
Good IT skills and experience of finance systems including: Excel, Hyperion (Ess base), SAP for Engineering Systems, Business Objects, Word and PowerPoint

Application Process

All applicants are required to submit their CV and answer the following question. Please prepare your answer in advance:

As a Finance Analyst, you will be joining British Airways in a dynamic and challenging time. In no more than 300 words, please:

a) Describe the challenges currently facing the airline
b) Describe what attracted you to this role and British Airways
c) What attributes, experience and skills can you bring specifically to this role

Apply now