Job Title : Finance Analyst Location : Surrey Contract Duration : 6 Months Rate : £300 - £350 per day (Inside IR35) Job Description :We are looking for a skilled Finance Analyst to join a local council’s finance team on a 6-month contract. The successful candidate will support the council in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, ensuring that financial data is accurate and aligned with strategic objectives. Key Responsibilities : Assist in the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and financial reports. Analyse financial performance, identify trends, and provide insights to support decision-making. Provide financial support to various departments, ensuring alignment with budgetary constraints. Prepare detailed financial models to forecast expenditure and revenue. Support the monthly and quarterly financial reporting processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Assist in the preparation of reports for senior management and stakeholders. Monitor financial compliance with council policies and relevant regulations. Essential Skills & Experience : Strong experience in financial analysis, ideally within a public sector or local government environment. Proficiency in financial systems and advanced Excel skills (e.g., data modelling, pivot tables). Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and present insights. Attention to detail and ability to work with large sets of financial data. Effective communication and ability to work collaboratively with non-financial stakeholders. Desirable : Knowledge of local government finance or public sector accounting standards (CIPFA, IFRS). Experience working within a council or local government setting.