Permanent Finance Analyst job with a dynamic company in Salford, Manchester. Finance Analyst – Manufacturing Manchester | Permanent | Competitive 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 Produce weekly and monthly manufacturing performance reports. Analyse production yields, labour efficiency and manufacturing variances. Review Actual vs Standard Cost and comment on key cost drivers. Monitor production costs and COGS, highlighting risks and opportunities. Budgeting, Forecasting & Standard Costing Support annual budgets and periodic forecasts for production volumes, COGS and overheads. Maintain and update standard costs and Bills of Materials. Business Partnering Build strong working relationships with Operations and Engineering teams. Support CAPEX business cases, ROI analysis and operational improvement projects. Reconcile and maintain key operational balance sheet accounts (e.g., stock, inventory provisions). Month-End & Financial Control Prepare month‑end journals for accruals, stock adjustments and overheads. Assist with factory overhead reporting and variance analysis. Support stock counts and year‑end audit requirements. About You Experience & Qualifications Studying towards ACCA/CIMA, Part‑Qualified or QBE. Strong background in management or cost accounting within a manufacturing environment. Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, XLOOKUPs, modelling). Personal Attributes Strong interest in manufacturing and operational performance. Able to communicate financial insights clearly to non‑finance colleagues. Proactive, deadline‑driven and resilient in a fast‑paced setting. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. What’s on Offer Competitive salary study support 25 holidays, a contributory pension and bonus Excellent career progression within a growing manufacturing business Exposure to senior stakeholders and real impact on operational performance What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. 4718294