Senior Finance Analyst | Circa £41,500 + excellent benefits | Permanent | Hybrid

We’re looking for a Senior Finance Analyst to join our Finance team and play a key role in delivering high‑quality financial insight that supports informed decision‑making across the organisation. This is a great opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys combining robust financial reporting with meaningful stakeholder engagement, process improvement and strategic analysis. Alongside this, you’ll have the opportunity to lead and develop a small team, with responsibility for two direct reports, helping to build capability and drive strong financial outcomes. 

In this role, you’ll be responsible for: 

• Leading the preparation of monthly management accounts, including consolidation, variance analysis and insightful commentary 

• Providing detailed revenue, cost and profitability analysis to support strategic and operational decisions 

• Managing and developing two direct reports, setting clear priorities, providing coaching and feedback, and supporting their professional growth 

• Supporting budgeting and forecasting activities in partnership with budget holders

• Delivering accurate ledger, payroll and fixed asset reconciliations, ensuring strong financial control

• Supporting the annual audit process, working closely with external auditors

• Maintaining compliance with internal controls, accounting standards and regulatory requirements

• Identifying opportunities for process improvement, automation and cost efficiencies

• Partnering with cross‑functional teams, including People and operational stakeholders, to enhance financial reporting and insight

• Supporting the development of financial models and tools to improve business performance 

• Proven experience in a Senior Finance Analyst or similar role, with strong exposure to management accounting

• Solid understanding of financial reporting, reconciliations and accounting principles

• Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting and audit processes

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial data clearly

• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP), SUMIFS and financial modelling

• Experience working with fixed assets, including capitalisation and disposals

• High attention to detail, with a strong focus on accuracy and confidentiality

• A proactive, problem‑solving mindset and a desire to continuously improve processes

• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge and influence where appropriate

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment

• Experience mentoring or supporting others, with a collaborative and team‑focused approach 

Did you know...

Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don't apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.

We know the perfect candidate doesn't exist! If you think you have what it takes but don't tick every box, we'd still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit!

Perks & Benefits

Salary - Circa £41,500 dependent on skills & experience.

• 10% non-contributory pension

• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays

• Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)

• Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)

• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)

• Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure

• Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform

• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)

• Benenden Health Care (opt-in benefit)

• Reward & Recognition Programme

• Discounted gym membership

• Sports & Social club

• Payroll charitable giving

• Subsidised on-site restaurant

• Free on-site parking

When we work

Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – we take work-life balance seriously!)

How we work

We understand the benefits of remote and in-person collaboration and therefore have a hybrid working model – you’ll be expected to work from our office in Thatcham at least two days per week.

What we do

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.

Our Gamston facility is one of the UK’s leading sites for active safety, trialling and assessing the latest crash avoidance and driver assistance technologies.

Our Values

As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual's authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.

Beyond our partnerships with the Automotive 30% Club and Women in Data (WiD), we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.

Recruitment process

We’re proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.

What can you expect from our recruitment process?

• Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application

• An initial telephone screening call with a Talent Acquisition Partner

• First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams

• Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)

• Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!

• An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above

Check out our post on using AI during your application and interview!

We’re committed to removing barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.

If you're experiencing any issues with our career site or application from, please let us know here: careers@thatcham.org ⁠