Financial Analyst

Robertson Bell are working on behalf of CHP to recruit to a Financial Analyst position on a permanent basis. CHP are a locally governed housing association based in Essex whose mission is to transform lives by creating great homes for everyone. They do this by providing affordable homes to rent and buy, and through supporting communities to thrive. Established in 2002 following a large-scale transfer from Chelmsford Borough Council, they now own and manage over 11,500 homes and provide services for over 27,000 customers.

As a member of the Finance team, the role serves as a key analytical and business partnering resource to the Growth and Partnership directorate and more broadly to provide strategic financial analysis across the business. Providing financial planning, modelling, and analysis for the directorate to assist key budget holders in decision making, ensuring that financial resources are used efficiently and represent value for money. Building partnerships with senior managers in the directorate to enable them to use financial information strategically to drive forward the business in line with CHP’s corporate strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Growth and Partnerships directorate as the primary financial interface for providing financial modelling, analysis and business partnering.
• Provide financial modelling and analysis support for Growth and Partnerships directorate projects and strategic initiatives.
• Support the FP&A Manager in the development and maintenance of the multi-year strategic business plan as well ad-hoc financial analysis to support the business.
• Prepare and analyse development proposals taking into account the strategic plan, annual budgets, and forecasts.
• Develop and maintain financial models to support and evaluate development proposals in support of the decision-making processes.
• Lead on the budget setting process for the Growth and Partnerships directorate.
• Provide expert advice to budget holders, whilst scrutinising and challenging proposals to ensure financial viability to drive value for money.
• Update the development programme and global assumptions, test new proposed development schemes for the Investment Panel’s consideration, ensuring investment appraisal is fit for purpose.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide insights on financial performance.
• Perform stress testing and scenario analysis to evaluate financial risks and opportunities.
• Lead value for money assessments and other financial analysis to optimise resource utilisation, identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Assist in the preparation and reviewing of financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, auditors, and regulators.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues across the organisation.
• Undertake any other responsibilities relevant to this post, as directed by your line manager.

The successful candidate will:

• Be a fully- or part-qualified Accountant with a commitment to completing your studies.
• Have experience in a financial analyst role, preferably within the social housing sector and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Have extensive experience in collating, preparing and interpreting reports, budgets, accounts and financial statements.
• Be proficient in financial modelling, handling, and scrutinising an array of datasets, and have experience using data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI).
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

The successful candidate will be based in their Chelmsford office, requiring you to go into the office after an initial training period, and benefit from a hybrid working pattern.

Applications will be under constant review before the closing date so please submit your application to our agent Robertson Bell. Apply now to be considered!