Commercial Finance Analyst, Wakefield

Purpose of the job Our Commercial Finance Analysts support the financial performance, governance and commercial management of a defined portfolio of our clients. The role focuses on delivering high‑quality financial analysis, reporting and insights to support decision‑making, profitability improvement and effective financial control. The position will suit a commercially minded analyst with strong investigative capability.  You'll have a high level of attention to detail and the ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable insights for non‑finance stakeholders. We are seeking someone who is analytically curious, with high attention to detail and a solutions focused mindset.  You'll need to display proactivity and an eagerness to learn, be collaborative, relationship orientated and comfortable working in a fast paced, deadline driven environment. This role will operate on a Hybrid basis, spending time every week with the team in the local office. This is a permanent position requiring permanent eligibility to work in The UK.  Student and Graduate visa holders are not eligible for this role. Key responsibilities Commercial + client finance Support Commercial Finance leadership in the financial management of client accounts Assist with the analysis of client contracts, scopes of work and business cases, highlighting commercial risks and opportunities Prepare and maintain client budget and forecast models, identifying variances and emerging trends Produce profitability analysis at client, account or project level to support commercial reviews and negotiations Business partnering + insight Act as a finance support partner to client teams Translate financial data into clear insights to support commercial decision‑making Respond to ad‑hoc commercial and financial analysis requests in a timely and accurate manner Support growth initiatives through financial modelling and scenario analysis Financial reporting + planning Prepare timely and accurate monthly management information, including P+L analysis and variance commentary Support the month‑end close process, including accruals, revenue recognition and reconciliations, in line with internal policies Assist with annual budgeting and rolling forecasting cycles Maintain and improve reporting tools and dashboards to enhance visibility and insight Governance, controls + compliance Support adherence to internal financial controls, policies and governance frameworks Assist in balance sheet reconciliations and follow‑up of open actions with Financial Controllership and Finance Operations Support internal and external audit processes by preparing documentation and analysis as required Identify data quality or control issues and escalate appropriately Business optimization + continuous improvement Identify opportunities to improve reporting efficiency, data quality and analytical insight Support cost control and margin improvement initiatives through structured analysis Contribute ideas for process improvements and automation within Commercial Finance Maintain accurate documentation of models, assumptions and methodologies Knowledge, skills + experience Part or fully qualified accountant (ACA, CMA, ACCA) Experience in a finance analyst, commercial finance or finance business partnering role Strong understanding of P+L and basic balance sheet concepts Advanced Excel skills, including financial modelling and data analysis - the ability to analyse complex data sets and present clear, concise insights Strong written and verbal communication skills Proven ability to communicate financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders in a compelling way Ideally you would have experience in a project‑based, services, media, marketing or agency environment and have exposure to budgeting, forecasting and commercial modelling Experience working in a multi‑entity or international environment and familiarity with ERP systems and BI / reporting tools would be advantageous #LI-PL1 #LI-Hybrid