FP&A Analyst - IT

As an FP&A Analyst at IFS, your key responsibilities include providing data-driven insights to assist decision-making alongside the IT Finance Business Partner, extracting and refining financial data to ensure accuracy, preparing financial reports and dashboards, and monitoring IT costs. You will also be involved in budgeting processes, accruals oversight, and asset management while supporting the reconciliation of headcount data.

To qualify for the FP&A Analyst position at IFS, you need a university degree in finance or a related field along with 3-4 years of experience in financial analysis. Proficiency in financial tools such as Excel and ERP systems is essential, alongside strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational skills, and effective communication in English. Holding finance qualifications like CIMA or ACCA will be an added advantage.

An effective FP&A Analyst at IFS should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, exceptional competency in Excel, and attention to detail. Being adaptable in a fast-paced environment and able to handle large datasets while ensuring data integrity is also crucial. Collaboration and strong interpersonal skills along with effective communication abilities in English will round out the skill set needed for this role.

IFS promotes an inclusive workforce by creating a workplace culture that respects diverse cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints. The company encourages collaboration and innovation, ensuring that all team members, including FP&A Analysts, feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives towards achieving collective goals.

At IFS, there exist numerous growth opportunities for FP&A Analysts. You will not only develop your financial analysis skills but also have access to a supportive environment that values continuous improvement. The company promotes internal training sessions, mentorship programs, and opportunities to work on diverse projects that can enhance your career trajectory and help you make your mark in the finance domain.

When discussing your experience in financial reporting, focus on specific tools you've used (like Excel or ERP systems), types of reports you've prepared, and your role in variance analysis. Highlight how your insights directly influenced decision-making in previous positions.

In your answer, emphasize the importance of data validation techniques you employ, such as double-checking figures, utilizing reconciliation methods, and maintaining organized data management processes to ensure accuracy in financial reporting.

Share a specific example from your previous role where your analysis led to a significant decision or change. Detail your approach to the analysis, the insights you uncovered, and the impact of your recommendations on the organization.

Briefly explain your proficiency in tools like Excel and ERP systems. Illustrate how these tools have streamlined your data extraction processes, reporting capabilities, and ability to create dashboards well-suited for financial analysis.

Discuss your time management strategies, such as prioritizing tasks, setting interim goals, and employing effective communication with team members to ensure deadlines are met without sacrificing the quality of your analysis.

Share your framework for budget preparation that might include gathering historical data, collaborating across departments, and using trend analysis to inform your recommendations for accurate forecasting for future revenues and expenditures.

Mention common challenges such as data integrity, aligning various departments’ input for budgeting, or handling unforeseen expenses. Discuss how you adapt and find solutions to these challenges to ensure effective financial planning.

Highlight any previous experience you have with IT costs or auditing processes. Discuss the methodologies you employed to effectively monitor costs and how you conducted audits to ensure compliance and accuracy.

Discuss how FP&A provides critical insights that inform executive decisions on budgeting, resource allocation, and investments. You may wish to illustrate this with a specific example from your past experience where your analysis guided a strategic decision.

Express your passion for finance and enthusiasm for the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation. Highlight how your skills align with the role and how you aspire to contribute to IFS’s mission of driving impactful business decisions through financial insights.