Finance Analyst

Job Description

Purpose of the role  

The Finance Analyst is an integral part of the ISP Group FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis) team and is responsible for supporting all planning, forecasting, management reporting and other data preparation, analysis and other FP&A activities.

This is an important role that will be responsible for maintenance and preparation of key data structures, schedules, analysis and insights. This is directly in the system (Oracle PBCS), as well as in Excel and Power BI, together with presentations (slides). Ensuring, at all times, full data reconciliation and integrity. This role will also be familiar with available AI tools (such as Copilot, Claude etc) and be able to effectively utilise these in their work.

The ultimate objective is to ensure integrity of our management reporting, generate insightful datapoints and analysis that will support commercial and operational decision making across ISP.

The successful applicant will be highly analytical, comfortable with large data sets (advanced Excel), will be detail-oriented, inquisitive and curious and focused on achieving the correct final outcome. We are looking for a pro-active, self-starting and energetic individual who is hungry to learn and progress in the FP&A space, in a fast-paced, PE-backed environment. We are looking for somebody who is familiar with data cubes (ideally PBCS or Hyperion-HFM), familiar with the related data structures, meta data hierarchies etc.

The role will report into Group Head of FP&A who is based in the ISP headquarters in London.

·       Internal:  Group FP&A team, Group Financial Control, Regional Finance, Divisional CFOs

·       External: n/a

·       This role does not have any line management responsibilities

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• University degree
• Accounting qualification – ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent
• 4+ years of post-qualified experience
• FP&A experience – budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, data
• Hands-on experience in Oracle systems – PBCS or HFM (Hyperion), also ideally NetSuite or Fusion
• Advanced Excel (complex formulas, pivot tables, Power Query, VBA a plus)
• AI tools knowledge (Copilot, Claude or similar)
• Data extraction, structuring and preparation
• Strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills
• Power BI knowledge highly desirable
• Effectiveness and clarity of communication with stakeholders
• Fluency in English

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding

and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.