Strategic Finance Analyst - German-Speaking - 6 month FTC

At AlixPartners, we solve the most complex and critical challenges by moving quickly from analysis to action when it really matters; creating value that has a lasting impact on companies, their people, and the communities they serve. We prize diversity and inclusion, the intellectually curious, the inventive, and the forward-thinking. We invite you to influence the way we work and define the way we embrace tomorrow.

What you'll do

A new and exciting opportunity commissioned due to impressive business growth and performance. In this interim Strategic Finance Analyst position you can expect to work in a fast paced, hands-on finance role and will be required to partner with the EMEA strategic finance practice and the wider business alike to drive finance support.

You will also work closely with, and partner team members in the Accounting and other Corporate Services functions (People, Legal, IT, Business Development, etc.) within our fast-paced, high-growth firm.

The ideal candidate will have experience of working in Finance within Professional Services, with a strong customer service attitude and influencing skills, however we are also willing to train and support someone who is keen to gain this experience. You will collaborate closely with our Germany and Switzerland (DACH) Finance Business Partner and MDs and will enjoy the challenge of dealing with diverse issues and building your knowledge of our business. You will be joining at an exciting time as the DACH and EMEA region continues to grow and we are expanding the Analyst team supporting our DACH MD Group.

The Strategic Finance Analyst is an interim full-time role (lasting six months), supported by hybrid working and located in our London office. The role reports to the Strategic Finance Manager.

• Proactively working with MD's to support them on financial management of their client engagements and working capital
• Work closely with the 2 Strategic Finance Analysts for DACH to provide comprehensive support for all DACH MD's
• Review new projects and associated engagement letters to understand billing arrangements and ensure the correct time and expense codes have been set up
• Regularly meet and communicate with MD's to ensure the following:
  • Liaise with MD's on which Projects can be billed. These will be a combination of retainers, fixed fee billing, time based and success fee billing.
  • Send Billing requests to Billing team to action
  • Liaise with MD's on outstanding AR and ensure these have been followed up
  • Follow up with MD on any unsigned engagement letters to understand any issues
  • Arrange for matters to be closed once final bills have been issued and arrange for write-off's of any late time/expenses
• Review and understand consulting agreements with clients and subcontractors, identifying issues where present.
• Review client invoices, checking for accuracy and completeness, communicating requirements to the engagement accounting team. This will include an understanding of local tax legislation
• Review time/expense submissions, identifying time/expense issues, and request correction by accounting or consulting staff.
• Review time and expenses on project codes to ensure time/expenses are accurate ahead of issuing draft bills or requesting write-up's/downs
• Work closely with billing team to ensure billing requests have been promptly generated
• Generate ad hoc bills on complex arrangements
• Handle sensitive and urgent emails and calls from the Finance leadership team and other colleagues for follow-up; exercise judgment in responding to unique and urgent situations
• Balance conflicting demands and interests from practice and Corporate Services stakeholders, finding creative ways to meet the needs of differing timelines
• This description is not designed to encompass a comprehensive listing of required activities, duties or responsibilities. Additional responsibilities as identified.

What you'll need

• Fluent Business German Language skills
• A Business/Finance or Accounting Degree and/or part-qualified Accountant
• Intermediate MS Office suite user (particularly Excel)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to remain calm and focused under pressure
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Excellent soft skills including the ability to influence or challenge senior stakeholders when necessary
• A continuous improvement mentality to support development of self, colleagues and business processes and interactions
• Attention to detail as well as an ability to see the bigger picture which considers any cross-business implications
• A collaborative team-player who is transparent and has a straight forward approach
• SAP S/4 HANA Cloud, SAP Analytics Cloud (Financial Systems) skills preferred or similar professional services ERP system
• Ability to gain an in-depth understanding of the business, over time, and find new ways to enhance the value brought to our firm.
• Must become familiar with, and promote and abide by, our Core Values as defined by the AlixPartners' Code of Conduct and foster an inclusive environment with people at all levels of an organisation.