Finance Analyst

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Manchester

Do you enjoy getting to the bottom of a problem? We are looking for a hands‑on Finance Analyst to join our Finance team. You’ll combine systems problem-solving with accurate reporting and core accounting, keeping billing running smoothly and making our management information clear and reliable.

In a typical week, you might be asked:

• “This bill isn’t working; find out why” You’ll go into the system, trace the data and the process, work out what’s wrong and fix it or explain what needs to happen
• “Here’s the bank account; reconcile it.”
• “Here’s the WIP and debtors’ data; turn it into a useful report.”

That mix of systems curiosity, reporting skills and accounting accuracy matters more to us than any particular qualification.

You will report to the Finance Manager and join a team focused on a faster month end, stronger controls and better management information. This role can be based at our Halifax or Manchester offices.

• Billing and systems support: resolve billing queries and system/data issues, working with billers, fee earners and support teams to improve billing processes and system use
• Reporting and analysis: produce regular WIP, debtor, revenue and billing reports; deliver ad hoc analysis for the Finance Director/Finance Manager; support budgeting, forecasting and management information
• Accounting and month end: carry out bank and balance sheet reconciliations, assist with month end journals and management accounts, and maintain accurate financial records and schedules
• Projects and improvement: support finance projects and system/process changes, helping to automate reporting and embed new processes and controls

Our Systems:

Safe Intacct (general ledger), Equinox (practice management, time recording and billing), Excel and SharePoint. We are also introducing Power BI for WIP and debt reporting.

• 2–5 years’ relevant finance experience
• Strong Excel skills, including working with large data sets
• Comfortable working with finance systems and investigating system/data issues
• Experience of reconciliations and month-end accounting
• An understanding of WIP, billing, debtors and revenue
• The ability to produce, manipulate and present financial reports
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail
• Confidence communicating with non-finance colleagues, including fee earners

It would be great if you also have:

• AAT qualification, or part-qualified CIMA or ACCA
• Professional services experience, including time‑based billing and WIP
• Experience of Safe Intacct or a similar ERP system
• Experience of Equinox or another practice management or time and billing system
• Experience of Power BI or similar reporting tools
• Budgeting and forecasting experience

We pride ourselves on being small and friendly enough for you to get to know everyone – but big enough to offer you great career prospects. At Appleyard Lees, you won’t feel like a number or just another cog in the wheel. We understand everyone is individual and offer a friendly and supportive place to work and learn.

We also offer:

• 34 hour working week, Monday – Friday
• Hybrid working
• A supportive and friendly place to work and learn
• Annual salary review
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Salary Exchange
• Life assurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan & Wellbeing App
• Group Income Protection
• Long Service Milestones
• Social outings
• Vouchers on Christmas, birthdays and special occasions
• Charity events