Financial Specialist

Roles and responsibilities

The successful candidate will provide dedicated financial services to a department by: - ensuring that all income and expenses are effectively managed and controlled through the provision of accurate financial information and the analysis and tracking of cost and expenditure - enhancing performance monitoring through production of standard business performance reports identifying the key issues, KPIs for exception reporting to the management and provide subject specific reports that enable more granular understanding of the key drivers that impact cost and revenue - providing financial decision analysis recommendations to the business.

In This Role, You Will

• Provide front line advice to complete the annual budget submission to Cost Centre holders for timely completion of budget consolidation at a division level, demonstrating productivity improvements year on year. Provide back up evidence to BFMs/FMs with detailed analysis, in order to appropriately challenge budget assumptions. Ensure that the budget focuses on KPIs for each part of the business and is aligned to the long term plan.
• Collate information on a monthly basis of cash inflows and cash outflows that is incorporated into the model developed to report business specific cash-flow forecasts on a monthly 3 year rolling basis, and perform analysis to reconcile deviations highlighting reasons for changes. Changes to cash flow model for new developments and periods are incorporated at the appropriate time when cash commitments are approved and known.
• Provide continuous hands-on guidance to business managers in terms of financial awareness by educating on financial systems and procedures that govern best practices, specific to business domain cost and revenue drivers, building business cases with financial terminologies such as Net Present Value( NPV), and Return On Investments(ROI) etc.
• Produce requisite reports - at regular specified intervals and focus on diagnosis to provide - alternative solutions for achieving change. (Reports include DCRs, MFRs, weekly reports, revenue/cost reports and subject specific granular level reports etc..,)
• Generate and analyse periodic re-forecasts at the department (cost centre and profit centre) level and corporate level that will include the impact of any post budget development, not originally planned e.g. unbudgeted routes, aircraft acquisitions, delayed recruitment etc. in order to highlight the reasons for deviations.
• Provide financial information to the business managers to initiate work flow processes such as RFPs, P2P, ITSRs, MREs. recommending for approval in line with pre-approved authority limits. Provide guidance to business managers in new business initiatives to secure financially acceptable solutions, highlighting issues where new ventures and initiatives impact existing finance processes, procedures and policies.
• Perform financial accounting activities (applicable in EK Engineering, Skywards, Service Delivery and Corporate Communications). Ensure adequate validation of invoices, accrual generation and reconciliations with appropriate analysis in order to justify accounting activities to internal and statutory auditors.
• Assist the business in establishing end to end financial accounting procedures consequent to new initiatives or new information and provide data capture for new analysis needs using appropriate changes to chart of accounts. Provide detailed analysis of new projects to be covered in the project register enabling effective communication within Finance and in turn ensuring the business gets the best overall finance delivery.
• Research and maintain updated relevant benchmarking statistics on key performance indicators of the business, competitors and industry, providing analysis for opportunities to enhance revenue, reduce costs and optimise resources. Provide support to the business in the evaluation of high value contracts to ensure financial risks are adequately covered.

Desired candidate profile

As a Senior Finance Specialist, several key skills and qualifications are essential for success in the role. Here are some important ones:

1. Financial Analysis: Proficiency in analyzing financial statements, budgets, and forecasts to provide insights and recommendations.

2. Accounting Knowledge: Strong understanding of accounting principles and practices, including GAAP or IFRS.

3. Attention to Detail: Accuracy in financial reporting and analysis to avoid errors that could impact decision-making.

4. Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with relevant financial regulations and compliance requirements.

5. Strategic Thinking: Ability to contribute to long-term financial planning and strategy development.

6. Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to present financial information clearly to stakeholders.

7. Project Management: Skills in managing finance-related projects, including budgeting and forecasting initiatives.

8. Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address financial challenges and improve processes.

9. Technical Skills: Proficiency in financial software and tools (e.g., Excel, ERP systems) and data analysis techniques.

10. Leadership and Collaboration: Experience in leading teams or collaborating across departments to achieve financial goals.

These skills are crucial for navigating complex financial landscapes and supporting organizational growth and efficiency.

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