Finance Analyst

As a Finance Analyst at London Borough of Havering, you will support the management and provision of accurate financial data across the Council.

You will review and process information held in financial systems, complete journals and reconciliations, respond to data enquiries and ensure supporting documentation is stored correctly.

Working with large and sometimes interlinked financial and operational data sets, you will analyse trends, identify outliers and explore possible relationships and behavioural patterns.

You will also undertake scenario and sensitivity analysis within agreed parameters and present findings to senior colleagues.

This role is central to ensuring that performance information is robust, relevant and easy to understand.

You will work collaboratively with data owners and finance colleagues to improve data quality, reporting processes and policies, helping the Council make well-informed decisions.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a methodical and detail-oriented analyst who enjoys working with data and can communicate findings clearly.

You will bring:

• Advanced Excel skills and experience of data analysis and visualisation tools such as Power BI or similar
• Experience of general ledger or other large computerised finance systems
• The ability to manipulate large data sets and turn them into meaningful, accessible information for decision-making
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a careful and methodical approach
• A proven ability to produce accurate work and maintain data integrity
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly to different audiences
• Strong organisation skills and the ability to manage competing workloads and deliver to tight deadlines
• The ability to take initiative while working successfully both independently and as part of a team
• Ideally, experience of a local government environment and knowledge of local government finance

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain the integrity and quality of financial information and work with owners of linked data sets to improve data quality
• Run regular and ad hoc reports from financial systems as part of the Council’s reporting cycle
• Analyse trends, identify outliers and combine data sets to explore possible causal links and behavioural patterns
• Undertake scenario and sensitivity analysis within agreed parameters
• Process financial transactions, journals and reconciliations accurately and ensure supporting evidence is retained
• Respond to financial data enquiries and provide clear, accessible reports showing current performance
• Present findings to senior colleagues to inform strategic and operational decision-making
• Ensure financial information and supporting documentation are saved in the correct locations
• Contribute to improvements in data processes, reporting practices and related policies
• Work collaboratively with Finance colleagues and operational data owners to deliver reliable information to deadlines

Why Havering?

Working for Havering means joining an ambitious, forward-thinking Council committed to delivering excellent services for residents.

We offer:

• A supportive and inclusive working environment guided by our ICARE values
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Generous annual leave with the option to purchase additional leave
• Extensive learning and professional development opportunities
• A comprehensive health, wellbeing and employee support programme