Graduate Strategic Finance Analyst – Candidate Requirements

Role profile

We are looking for a high-potential graduate to join the Strategic Finance team in London. The role will provide broad exposure across FP&A, management reporting, financial modelling, data and dashboarding, strategic analysis and potentially M&A, alongside involvement in finance transformation and wider business projects.

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate is unlikely to see themselves purely as a traditional accountant. They should be excited by the opportunity to become a modern strategic finance professional, combining strong financial fundamentals with commercial judgement, data analytics, technology and AI.

They should be motivated by using data to answer business questions, building tools and dashboards that improve decision-making, understanding business performance and contributing to projects that improve how Finance operates.

Requirements

Essential requirements

• Strong academic background, ideally a degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, Mathematics, Data Analytics, Computer Science or another analytical/numerate discipline.
• A clear desire to build a long-term career in finance, FP&A or strategic/commercial finance.
• Commitment to studying towards the CIMA professional qualification as part of the graduate programme.
• Strong numerical and analytical capability, with the ability to interpret data and identify the key messages behind the numbers.
• Strong interest in the intersection of finance, data and technology.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and an appetite to develop advanced financial modelling and analytical skills.
• Interest in developing skills in Power BI, data visualisation and business intelligence.
• Genuine interest in AI and emerging technologies, particularly how they can be applied to finance, analysis, reporting and process improvement.
• Commercial curiosity and an interest in understanding how businesses operate, make money and make strategic decisions.
• Ability to communicate analysis clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong attention to detail while also being able to understand the wider commercial picture.
• Proactive, inquisitive and comfortable asking questions, challenging assumptions and learning new systems and concepts.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work across both recurring finance activities and project-based work.
• Collaborative approach and confidence working with colleagues across Finance, Technology and the wider business.

Desirable attributes

Previous professional finance experience is not required, but any of the following would be advantageous:

• Internship, placement year, university project or other exposure to finance, FP&A, commercial analysis, consulting or data analytics.
• Experience using Power BI or another visualisation / BI platform.
• Exposure to financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting or management reporting.
• Experience working with larger datasets or using tools such as Power Query, SQL, Python or similar.
• Practical use of generative AI tools for research, analysis, automation or productivity.
• Experience contributing to projects involving process improvement, automation or digital transformation.
• An interest in corporate finance, transactions or M&A.

 Practical requirements

• Location: London-based.
• Professional qualification: Commitment to completing CIMA is a requirement of the role.
• Salary: Graduate salary.

Benefits

Why join us

We believe in empowering our people and giving them the opportunities to shine. As an employee-owned company means that our team are dedicated and passionate about what they do, and that’s the reason why we are at the forefront of our industry.

Steer is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all candidates regardless of race, color, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, Veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Any other human expressions and experiences not mentioned here are equally welcome. If you require an accommodation, now or throughout your employment, please let us know.

We offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Private medical insurance and health screening
• Life assurance and group income protection
• Company pension scheme
• EAP and mental health first aiders
• 25 days annual leave and ability to buy and sell annual leave days,
• Season Ticket Loan/ Cycle to Work,
• Group Share Incentive Plan,
• Up to 5 days for volunteering activities
• Discretionary bonus scheme based on annual compensation (dependent upon individual and company performance).

Compensation

Steer is committed to ensuring that all its employees are compensated a fair, liveable wage. All initial compensation, regardless of location, may be subject to change as skills, abilities, internal equity and geographic location are taken into account.

In addition to base salary, all employees will be eligible for an annual discretionary performance bonus. Please review the benefits section for more information on total reward.

Steer reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional compensation.

Work Environment

All Steer employees seeking a full-time opportunity are encouraged to spend 60% of their time either in the office or on-site with clients. An employee’s typical work week consists of 37.5 hours (Hours, expectations, and exemption status will be adjusted for any applicant seeking a part-time opportunity.)

We understand that some may be dissuaded to apply based off their compatibility with the job description. That being said, we understand that not everyone is a perfect match on paper and encourage anyone to apply regardless of how much their work experience directly relates to the job description.

Part-time and flexible working applications will be considered.

Ready to apply?  Just complete our brief online application form and attach your CV and covering letter.