Business Analyst - SG&A R&D

Together for a Cleaner, Healthier World

Johnson Matthey, a FTSE 250 company, is a global leader in sustainable technologies specializing in catalysis, precious metal products, chemicals, and process technology. With operations in over 30 countries, we employ more than 10,000 people. Johnson Matthey uses science to make the world cleaner and healthier. Over the past two centuries we have built our reputation and place as a global leader through quality, integrity, and innovation. Today, more than 93% of the group's sales come from products and services which provide sustainability benefits through the positive impact they have on the environment, resource efficiency, and human health, but that's not enough. We have ambitious plans for growth and need talented individuals to help shape and lead us into our next century.

Our Clean Air sector excels in sustainable technology. We use our scientific know-how to create innovative products that play a crucial part in reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality, helping our customers meet legislative requirements globally. Governments and consumers are increasingly concerned about air quality, with regulations and legislation tightening. Our Clean Air sector helps meet these challenges, helping to effectively and efficiently reduce emissions from vehicles and other sources. As a supplier of one third of catalysts into the automotive industry globally, we are playing our part in creating a future for tomorrow.

The Role

The role reports to the US Business Insights Leader and is responsible for delivering all aspects of US Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) and Research and Development (R&D) functions. With specific responsibility for expenses, headcount, costs including CAPEX, depreciation, alongside budgeting & forecasting for variations. Additional support will be provided as liaison with the US tax team. The incumbent will be responsible for regular discussions and reviews with the stakeholders throughout the functions.

Your Responsibilities

Assist with developing and submitting Plant budgets, forecasting templates, and long-range plans within the JM Clean Air planning and forecasting cycles focusing on all cost centers for the plants, including a granular understanding of headcount and people costs.

Responsible for providing variations analysis, downloads and forecasts in real time and summarizing these through the month end close and forecasting process.

As part of regular reporting cycle, provide Plant Management team, Business and Finance stakeholders with prompt, clear, comprehensive reporting summarizing monthly SG&A and R&D costs against targets. Specifically :

Responsible for monthly submissions and Financial Forecast with appropriate commentary on actual vs. budget / forecast.

Responsible for monthly forecast submissions for all relevant cost centers in the plant.

Responsible for reviewing cost center accounts with the GL Accountants whom are based overseas ensuring any accounting entries required are made to ensure that balance sheets are recorded accurately.

Work closely with the Plant Finance Manager to provide business partnering support to the plant SG&A, global SG&A, and R&D teams undertaking variance analysis reviews on cost centers, standards, identification of trend and preparing root cause analysis. Use this analysis to improve profit by identifying risks and opportunities, translating this into actionable insights and plans, setting stretch target plans and monitoring plan execution.

Demonstrate a deep understanding of cost drivers and performance and work with the Plant Management team to translate this into actionable insights and action plans.

Act as key point of contact for US Tax team for investigation, support, and internal audits for all US Tax.

Liaise with all departments, especially supply chain, procurement, HR, IT, local finance, for reporting to following sector policies.

Prepare ad hoc Plant financial analysis to support Plant Management team with tactical and strategic decision-making including process optimization suggestions.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with Plant Management team and Sector team stakeholders involved in Plant management accounting processes and support the development and adherence to local accounting policies and procedures.

Requirements for the Role

University degree qualification

Professional accounting qualification, e.g. ACA, CIMA or equivalent desirable

Experience in financial cost management and analysis

Experience within Finance function preferably in the manufacturing environment desirable

Experience of chemicals / automotive industry desirable

Ability to work collaboratively and provide appropriate challenge and insight, often under time pressure

Ability to handle multiple concurrent tasks, often to tight deadlines

Ability to work effectively with people from different disciplines, cultures and backgrounds

Good analytical skills

Inquiring approach, constantly challenging the status quo and seeking improvements to existing methods or alternative routes to achieve business goals desirable.

How You Will Be Rewarded

We offer a competitive compensation and JM Elements benefits package including bonus, excellent pension contributions and 20 days annual leave (varies for shift-based roles). Our JM Elements Benefits programme helps our employees understand and manage the JM benefits, as well as helping you focus on your overall wellbeing for you and your family.

We use our inspiring science and technology to enhance lives. For those who are passionate about sustainable solutions and shaping our markets, we offer stretch and a wealth of diverse opportunities.

To submit your application, please click the "Apply" button online.

All applications are carefully considered and your details will be stored on our secure Application Management System. This is used throughout Johnson Matthey for the selection of suitable candidates for our vacancies as they arise. Johnson Matthey respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.

Johnson Matthey Plc is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.