Liz Smith
Bristol,South Gloucestershire
Summary
Results-driven Finance Business Analyst with 13 years of experience in data analysis and financial forecasting. Conducts variance analysis to identify discrepancies and recommend corrective actions, driving continuous improvement. Facilitates effective stakeholder communication to align financial results with strategic objectives.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Finance Business Analyst
Bromford Housing Association
07.2021 - Current
- Documented process flows and created user processes to support effective change management.
- Monitored key performance indicators to track progress against strategic goals and objectives.
- Utilised Excel functions to manipulate large datasets for insightful reporting.
- Mentored other analysts, providing guidance and support to foster professional development and improved performance.
- Developed and implemented data analysis methodologies to support strategic decision-making - forecast model, actual v budget trackers, monthly payroll reconciliation
- Collaborated with IT specialists to refine system specifications for BI reporting on Cost of Sales & WIP
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings to communicate financial results and gather constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Conducted variance analysis between actual and forecasted results, identifying discrepancies and recommending corrective actions.
- Supported the annual budgeting and reforecast processes, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and operational plans.
- Conducted Homes England Audit for compliance with regulations and standards, supporting Financial and Sustainability Audits.
Accountant, Financial Reporting
Merlin Housing Society
05.2013 - 07.2021
- Reported on operating income, expenses against budgets and forecasted trends for internal repairs, maintenance,workforce spend.
Finance Assistant
Merlin Housing Society
11.2007 - 05.2013
- Managed daily bookkeeping functions with attention to accounts receivable, accounts payable, banking reconciliation and disbursements.
Accounts/Payroll Clerk
Post Office
09.1987 - 07.2007
- Supported and delivered compliant, accurate monthly payroll and associated pension schemes.
Education
AAT NVQ 4 - Accounting
Filton College
Bristol01-1991
Skills
- Data analysis
- Financial forecasting
- Budget management
- Variance analysis
- Excel proficiency
- Financial reporting
- Account reconciliation
- Sales forecasting
- Audit procedures
- Audit support
- Process documentation
- Performance improvement
- Stakeholder communication
- Decision support
- Team mentoring
- Problem solving
- Analytical thinking
- Process Improvement
- Time-management
- Decision making
- Customer engagement
- Relationship-building
- Effective communication
- Interpersonal communication
- Active listening
- Ethical decision making
- Organisational awareness
- Requirement gathering
- Decision support
Hobbies and interests
- Reading
- Learning new skills
- Walking
- Pets
Accomplishments
- Recognised by management for consistent performance, leading to increased team productivity.
- Ability to absorb information and excel at new tasks
Timeline
Finance Business Analyst
Bromford Housing Association
07.2021 - Current
Accountant, Financial Reporting
Merlin Housing Society
05.2013 - 07.2021
Finance Assistant
Merlin Housing Society
11.2007 - 05.2013
Accounts/Payroll Clerk
Post Office
09.1987 - 07.2007
AAT NVQ 4 - Accounting
Filton College