Job description

We are currently recruiting for a Business Analyst to join our Group Finance team in London on a 12 month fixed term contract.

The Business Analyst: must either be an experienced finance BA with a transactional system background or a qualified accountant with an aptitude for finance systems

As a position in the Group Finance team, this role supports the implementation of global business objectives. This means working on projects from start to finish, translating ideas into tangible outcomes. Doing so involves:

• delivering solutions to decision makers and Finance clients  in keeping with internal or external accounting policies and business drivers
• promoting A&O's on-going compliance with global fiscal and regulatory frameworks in current and future territories of operation
• developing and implementing operational change across the Finance function whilst promoting best practices and maintaining internal controls
• supporting the Finance leadership and Finance teams across the network in meeting objectives
• sharing knowledge with internal and external clients through formal and informal means

Role and responsibilities

The BA will act as a business partner with two major aims: delivering change and ensuring continuity. Change is driven by needs identified by management, supplemented by the BA’s knowledge and observations. Projects range in type from implementing accounting policy or best practices to specifying development to the practice management system. Continuity involves maintaining appropriate support of the business as usual. Although the BA will work largely on projects, his or her know-how is vital to the day-to-day operation of the enterprise by assisting others across Finance and other support functions by answering questions and resolving issues.

Change

• Contribute to or manage ad hoc Finance or Finance-affected projects outlined by business or Finance management, working from initial ideation through requirements gathering to proposal, design and delivery. Success will involve forming an understanding of the conceptual and practical implications of the need and applying critical thinking in a collaborative environment. The BA will often ‘own’ the change from inception to outcome
• Partner with teams throughout the global Finance function and other support departments to understand business needs with aim of improving accuracy, efficiency and controls
• Contribute to the opening/set up of new operations in the A&O network and restructuring of existing business units
• Support & train finance and other personnel globally on specialist subjects
• Participate in practice management system upgrade projects, including testing, training and documentation
• Write software test plans, carry out methodical testing and document results
• Work with Information Delivery team to guide the direction of internal and external reporting

Continuity

• Develop in-depth functional and operational knowledge of Finance systems and policies to provide subject matter expertise to stakeholders across the business
• Research and understand current and future accounting and tax requirements in jurisdictions around the world and be able to interpret these into practical procedures and system processes
• Steward practice management system configurations, which determine how transactions post to general and sub-ledgers and ensure integrity of data used for management reporting
• Understand the budget, month-end & year-end management/financial accounts preparation process to be able to support the Group Reporting Team
• Collaborate with and cover for other Business Analysts
• Build and maintain relationships with Finance staff, to be able to assist with their education and to promote best practices and procedures in line with global finance policies
• Maintain relationships with relevant external suppliers and service providers

Key requirements

• Understanding of accounting principles and group structures 
• Problem-solving skills with focus on creative, yet pragmatic solutions
• Flexibility to handle multiple projects simultaneously in an environment with shifting priorities
• Aptitude for learning and using financial/management information systems
• Grasp of the importance of process management and standardisation
• Facility to adapt to and implement change, including interpreting requirements to deliver outcomes in line with the Firm’s policies
• Accuracy, timeliness and consistency
• Ability to train & empower other finance staff on Finance-related topics, including policies and systems
• Communication skills, including oral presentation to and technical writing for non-native English speakers
• Willingness to collaborate with others to achieve success as a team
• Initiative and desire to get the job done, with commitment to a high standard

Who we are looking for

• Either a member of a recognised accounting body as a qualified accountant with lesser BA experience or an individual who may not be qualified but has extensive proven experience as a BA with finance system experience
• Educated to degree level (or equivalent)
• Experience in working with finance transactional system as an administrative user
• SQL skills an advantage
• Previous work experience in a multinational Finance function is an advantage, as is a law firm or professional services background
• Experience of the Thomson Reuters Elite 3E software useful, but not required