Full job descriptionThe Junior Commercial Analyst will support senior members of the commercial finance team in delivering high-quality financial services. This includes assisting with annual budget preparation, acquisition P&Ls, month-end analysis and reporting, monthly forecasting, profitability reviews and ad hoc internal and external reporting.



Key Responsibilities:Forecasting & Budgeting
*Ensure accurate and timely delivery of budgeting and forecasting reports to stakeholders.
*Maintain an up-to-date publishing schedule of titles for budgeting/forecasting purposes.
*Liaise with publishing teams to collect necessary data for forecasts.
*Input collected data into the forecast system (currently Hyperion Planning) and ensure outputs reconcile accurately.
*Prepare summary schedules for review by the Commercial Director.
*Assist in preparing presentations for budget and commercial review meetings.
*Prepare investment cases for acquisitions for review by the Commercial Director.
*Maintain a detailed schedule of acquisition pipelines with financial details for future performance analysis.
*Conduct profitability reviews to assist publishing teams in decision-making regarding recontracts.
Month-End Accounting & Reporting*Complete month-end tasks with increasing responsibility over time:*Prepare provisions for retrospective discounts
*Calculate provisions for unearned advances.
*Analyse overheads and prepare accruals.

*Ensure timely preparation of reports for monthly divisional executive meetings, including:*Month-end commercial reports.

*Provide explanations for variances in key P&L areas against expectations.
*Prepare monthly and biannual sales reports for external third parties.
Ad Hoc Financial Analysis*Conduct financial analyses to support commercial decision-making within the division.
*Generate sales reports for key brand/author presentations with external partners.
Qualifications & Experience:
Essential:
*Demonstrated interest in pursuing an accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA or CIMA).
*Experience working in a fast-paced finance team or office environment involving budgeting, forecasting, or month-end reporting.
*Comfortable explaining financial concepts to non-finance colleagues.
Skills & Abilities:
*Quick learner who can understand processes and execute them accurately with minimal supervision.
*Strong organisational skills with effective time management.
*Proficient in Excel with good analytical skills to investigate trends or variances in data.
*High attention to detail.
*Familiarity with Power BI, Business Objects, or similar reporting tools.
Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates