Finance Analyst

United Utilities is seeking an ambitious, analytically strong Finance Analyst to join a high-performing finance team supporting a major business unit. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with data, systems, reporting and improving processes, while supporting decision-making across the business.

You will work closely with operational leaders, finance partners and senior stakeholders, so confidence, strong communication and resilience are essential. This is an excellent opportunity for someone progressing through their AAT/ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification to take a significant step forward in their finance career within a large, well-established organisation.

Performance Measurement & Reporting

• Deliver accurate, insightful financial analysis to support business performance
• Produce clear variance analysis and commentary across actuals, budgets and forecasts
• Monitor financial KPIs and investigate performance trends
• Maintain and update spend control reporting for senior leadership

Financial Operations (Record to Report)

• Support month-end close activities including journals, accruals, prepayments and reconciliations
• Maintain accurate ledgers and financial records
• Resolve anomalies and ensure compliance with financial controls
• Support external audits through preparation of documentation and analysis

Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning

• Partner with budget holders to prepare budgets and forecasts
• Challenge assumptions, analyse cost drivers and identify risks
• Support central finance reviews to ensure alignment with organisational strategy

Business Partnering

• Act as a trusted advisor, translating financial information into clear, actionable insights
• Build strong working relationships across the organisation
• Hold operational teams accountable to financial and performance measures

Continuous Improvement & Transformation

• Drive improvements in reporting, efficiency and data quality• Support wider finance transformation activity• Promote innovative ways of working across the team

Essential

• Experience in management accounting or financial analysis
• Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel or similar data tools
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex information
• Strong stakeholder management skills, ideally within a larger organisation
• Confident, resilient and able to work at pace
• Strong systems capability and comfort with large datasets
• Team-oriented approach with a willingness to learn and progress

Desirable

• Working towards an accounting qualification (AAT/ACA/ACCA/CIMA)
• Experience in process improvement or transformation activity
• Exposure to ERP systems, reporting tools or Power BI

Joining United Utilities gives you the chance to work closely with senior stakeholders and business leaders while developing your technical and commercial finance capability. The organisation offers excellent opportunities for career progression, along with full study support for professional accounting qualifications to help you advance quickly. You will benefit from a hybrid working environment and strong organisational benefits, all while making a meaningful impact within one of the UK's largest and most respected employers.

Benefits

• 26 days' annual leave (rising to 30 after four years) plus 8 bank holidays
• Competitive pension with up to 14% employer contribution and life cover
• Up to 7.5% performance-related bonus and recognition awards
• Company-funded healthcare plan
• MyGymDiscounts - savings on gyms and digital fitness
• Access to Best Doctors, Salary Finance and Wealth at Work
• Retail deals and discounts
• EVolve car scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy scheme
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave

If you are a motivated Finance Analyst, Assistant Accountant or similar finance professional with strong analytical capability, confidence in stakeholder engagement and a desire to progress, we want to hear from you.