Financial Analyst

The Financial Analyst supports the commercial and operational success of the business by ensuring the integrity, efficiency and continuous improvement of trading and financial systems. Operating within a fast paced retail and FMCG environment, the role focuses on enabling accurate financial reporting, optimising inventory and margin analysis, and streamlining end to end process across procurement, sales and supply chain. The analyst acts as a key liaison between finance, Performance Monitoring & Evaluation

• Track key financial and operational metrics such as sales, gross margin, returns, and inventory levels across channels and categories.
• Analyse historical and current performance to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for growth or cost optimisation.
Systems & Data Integrity
• Maintain a deep understanding of core financial systems ensure data accuracy, consistency, and compliance. Perform regular reconciliations between systems and accounting records, proactively resolving discrepancies.
Commercial Business Partnering
• Collaborate with Retail Operations, Merchandising, Supply Chain, and other cross-functional teams to provide financial analysis and support for pricing, promotions, store performance, and product launches.
Process Optimisation & Automation
• Identify and implement improvements to financial processes, reporting tools, and modelling frameworks. Champion automation initiatives to enhance speed, accuracy, and scalability.
Ad-Hoc Analysis & Strategic Projects
• Support the Management Accountant and executive team with deep-dive analyses, business cases, and special projects aligned to commercial priorities and transformation initiatives.
Month-End & Financial Close Support
• Assist with month-end activities including accrual preparation, general ledger review, and balance sheet reconciliations. Ensure timely and accurate financial close in line with reporting deadlines.
  
  Analytical skills: The ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights.
• Commercial acumen: A deep understanding of retail business models, sales processes, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Technical proficiency: Expertise with financial software and advanced spreadsheet skills, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to present findings clearly to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Problem-solving: The ability to identify issues, think critically, and propose viable solutions.
• Business partnership: A collaborative approach to working with different teams across the business to achieve collective goals.
Attention to detail: Meticulous attention to detail is crucial for ensuring accuracy in reporting and compliance. Education:
• A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field ior part qualified CIMA or ACCA.
Experience:
• Prior experience in a retail, or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) environment is highly valued.
  
  Bestway Group is a diversified multinational family owned business with annualised turnover in excess of £4.5 billion. Starting off as a chain of retail convenience stores, the Group has grown to become a diversified multinational business with interests across the wholesale, pharmacy, real estate, cement and banking sectors. The Group is also the largest overseas investor in Pakistan.
Owned by the Pervez, Choudrey and Sheikh families, Bestway Group was founded in 1976 by Sir Anwar Pervez OBE H Pk, who remains Chairman. Serving over 12 million customers and employing over 28,000 individuals, the Group supports and serves communities through its operations across the UK, Pakistan and the Middle East