Variance Analyst - 6 Month Fixed Term Contract

Job Introduction

When you join Saga we welcome you with open arms and we fuel your career possibilities. We support. We encourage. We champion you to reach your full potential.

Reporting to the Commercial Accountant for Saga Holidays, the Variance Analyst will be responsible for analysing, correcting and recovering (where appropriate) variances between actual costs and projected costs for Saga Holidays, in order to maximise the profitability of the business

This role is suited to a tenacious, numerate and an analytical minded individual who is looking for a role in which accuracy and “a job well done” are motivating qualities.

This role with be offered as a 6 Month Fixed Term Contract.

And in return, you can look forward to all of the responsibility and involvement of an integral role, providing you with a rewarding and fast paced career with an excellent benefits package including life assurance, pension, high street and online discounts, and concessions for holidays and travel.

Role Responsibility

• Identify overspends from suppliers by comparing invoices to projected costs from the reservation system and ensure the corrective action is taken to recover or adjust the expected costs
• Capture the cause of key variances and feed back to internal departments and management to prevent ongoing occurrences
• Liaise with Suppliers to recover overspends where appropriate, including raising debit notes and agreeing credits to our accounts
• Regular feedback to the business on set up issues and the reasons why
• Analyse historic accrual balances to determine if costs are still expected or if accrual can be released in order to maximise accuracy of the month end accounts
• Update forecast models with weekly sales actuals
• Review month end cost files to ensure accurate margins are reported to the business
• Adhoc projects and other data analysis to support the business

The Ideal Candidate

Capability, Knowledge and Experience:

• Previous Finance experience
• Use of accounting systems such as Dream, TM1 and Taurus preferred but not essential
• Able to work as a team and capable of delivering to tight deadlines
• Excel intermediate

Education and Qualifications:

• GCSE’s or general secondary education

Personal Characteristics:

• Analytically strong with the ability to challenge and think outside the box
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrates a professional manner
• Good levels of energy and stamina, and able to cope with a demanding schedule with a flexible approach to satisfying the demands of their role and team
• Understanding the importance of deadlines and the ability to organise tasks to ensure they are achieved
• An eye for detail
• Very high standard of accuracy is essential

Package Description

The standard benefits when you join Saga include:

• Option to purchase a further 5 days annual leave per year
• Free private medical insurance after 1 years service
• Pension
• AXA Be Supported
• Apples Nursery (Folkestone only and on a waiting list basis)
• Free fruit 
• Give as you earn
• Free eye tests
• Honeymoon benefit
• Sharebuy
• Salary finance
• Discounts on Saga holidays and insurance products
• A range of reductions and offers from leading retailers, travel groups and entertainment companies
• Long service awards

About the Company

When you join Saga you will see that we are committed to treating all employees fairly and to offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement. 

We value diversity not just because it is the right thing to do, but because diverse teams perform better. Creating a culture in which everyone feels welcome and offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement is incredibly important to us. Fair consideration is given to applications from all applicants, including those with disabilities. If you need support at any point with your application please let us know as we will be happy to help.

Learn more about the Saga business by watching our Saga plc results for the financial year 2018/2019

To all recruitment agencies: Saga does not accept agency CVs unless specifically engaged on the role by the HR Recruitment Team. Please do not forward CVs to our recruiters, employees or any other company location. Saga is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.

Saga Group