About Company
AF Blakemore & Son Ltd is one of the largest privately owned businesses in the UK. Established in 1917, the company is a diverse food and drink retail and wholesale distribution business, committed to the communities it serves and dedicated to developing its people. With a rich history spanning over a century, AF Blakemore has grown significantly, operating across various divisions including SPAR retail, wholesale distribution (Blakemore Wholesale Distribution), foodservice (Blakemore Foodservice), and various production and service departments. We pride ourselves on our core values: ‘Putting People First’, ‘Acting with Integrity’, ‘Striving for Excellence’, and ‘Embracing Change’. Join our dynamic team and contribute to a legacy of growth and community impact.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical Financial Analyst with a strong focus on Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) to join our robust finance team in Wolverhampton. This is an exceptional opportunity for a driven individual to play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of AF Blakemore & Son Ltd. As a Financial Analyst, you will be instrumental in providing critical financial insights, supporting strategic decision-making, and driving operational efficiency across various business units. You will be responsible for developing detailed financial models, conducting variance analysis, and preparing comprehensive reports that translate complex financial data into actionable intelligence for senior management. The ideal candidate will possess a keen eye for detail, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to communicate financial information clearly and concisely to non-finance stakeholders. This role offers significant exposure to senior leadership and ample opportunities for professional growth within a large, diverse, and well-established organisation. If you are passionate about finance and looking to make a tangible impact, we encourage you to apply and become a key part of our journey towards continued success.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain complex financial models for forecasting, budgeting, and long-range planning.
- Conduct in-depth variance analysis, identifying key drivers and communicating insights to relevant stakeholders.
- Prepare comprehensive monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including performance metrics and strategic recommendations.
- Support the annual budgeting process and periodic re-forecasts across various departments and business units.
- Perform financial due diligence and ad-hoc analysis to support strategic initiatives and investment decisions.
- Collaborate with operational teams to understand business drivers and translate them into financial impacts.
- Continuously improve financial processes, tools, and reporting mechanisms to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
- Assist in the preparation of presentations for the executive leadership team and board of directors.
Required Skills
- Proven experience as a Financial Analyst, specifically within an FP&A function (minimum 2 years).
- Strong proficiency in financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting techniques.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, financial functions).
- Solid understanding of accounting principles and financial statements.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with all levels of the organisation.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification.
- Experience with financial planning software (e.g., Anaplan, Hyperion, SAP BPC).
- Experience within the retail, wholesale, or logistics sectors.
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonus scheme.
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Company pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Employee assistance program.
- Staff discount across company retail outlets.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- A supportive and inclusive work environment.
How to Apply
To express your interest in this exciting Financial Analyst (FP&A) role, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for AF Blakemore & Son Ltd. Kindly mention ‘Financial Analyst (FP&A) Application – Wolverhampton’ in your subject line.