Finance Analyst – Manufacturing Manchester | Permanent |petitive Salary + Study Support
A leading Manchester-based manufacturing business is seeking a hands-on Finance Analyst to join its operations-focused finance team. Reporting to the Finance Manager, this is a key role responsible for delivering high‑quality analysis, insights, and reporting to support decision‑making on the factory floor.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys getting into the detail, partnering with operational teams, and driving efficiency and profitability.
The Role
As Finance Analyst, you will play a central part in analysing manufacturing performance, supporting budgeting and forecasting cycles, and ensuring strong financial control across production activities. You’ll work closely with Operations, Engineering and Finance to provide insight that improves efficiency, reduces waste, and enhances production profitability.
Key Responsibilities Manufacturing & Cost Analysis
1. Produce weekly and monthly manufacturing performance reports.
2. Analyse production yields, labour efficiency and manufacturing variances.
3. Review Actual vs Standard Cost andment on key cost drivers.
4. Monitor production costs and COGS, highlighting risks and opportunities.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Standard Costing
5. Support annual budgets and periodic forecasts for production volumes, COGS and overheads.
6. Maintain and update standard costs and Bills of Materials.
Business Partnering
7. Build strong working relationships with Operations and Engineering teams.
8. Support CAPEX business cases, ROI analysis and operational improvement projects.
9. Reconcile and maintain key operational balance sheet accounts (, stock, inventory provisions).
Month-End & Financial Control
10. Prepare month‑end journals for accruals, stock adjustments and overheads.
11. Assist with factory overhead reporting and variance analysis.
12. Support stock counts and year‑end audit requirements.
About You
Experience & Qualifications
13. Studying towards ACCA/CIMA, Part‑Qualified or QBE.
14. Strong background in management or cost accounting within a manufacturing environment.
15. Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, XLOOKUPs, modelling).
Personal Attributes
16. Strong interest in manufacturing and operational performance.
17. Able tomunicate financial insights clearly to non‑finance colleagues.
18. Proactive, deadline‑driven and resilient in a fast‑paced setting.
19. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
What’s on Offer
20. 25 holidays, a contributory pension and bonus
21. Excellent career progression within a growing manufacturing business
22. Exposure to senior stakeholders and real impact on operational performance