Kai Walters

ACCA-qualified Finance Analyst with over six years' experience in financial planning, forecasting, management reporting and business partnering within the charity sector. Proven ability to deliver commercial insight, build robust financial models and translate complex financial data into clear, actionable recommendations that support strategic decision-making. Experienced in partnering with senior stakeholders, driving financial performance and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and add value.

Now seeking to transition into a commercial organisation where I can apply my analytical and business partnering expertise, broaden my commercial experience and continue my professional development while contributing to business growth and performance.

Finance Analyst - Cancer Research UK

(2023-08)

• Lead the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes, partnering with budget holders to ensure financial plans align with organisational objectives.
• Business partner with senior departmental stakeholders, providing financial challenge, explaining performance trends and supporting strategic decision-making.
• Deliver detailed variance analysis and financial commentary, identifying key risks, opportunities and performance drivers against budget and forecast.
• Produce monthly management reports, KPI dashboards and executive-level insights to support informed commercial and operational decisions.
• Develop advanced Excel financial models to improve forecasting accuracy, automate reporting processes and enhance data analysis.
• Analyse expenditure and cost drivers to identify efficiency opportunities and support effective resource allocation.
• Prepare financial reporting on departmental performance and FTE movements for Group Finance, ensuring clear communication of financial results to senior management.
• Support year-end audit requirements, maintaining compliance with accounting standards and internal financial controls.

Management Accountant - Cancer Research UK

(2022-12 - 2023-08)

• Produced monthly, quarterly and annual management accounts to support financial planning and strategic decision-making.
• Coordinated month-end close activities, including journals, accruals, prepayments and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Delivered performance reporting and variance analysis, highlighting financial risks and opportunities for senior management.
• Partnered with operational teams to implement consistent financial processes following organisational changes.
• Improved reporting processes by streamlining accounting procedures and enhancing reporting efficiency.
• Supported external audit activities by preparing financial information and responding to audit requests.

Assistant Management Accountant - Cancer Research UK

(2019-11 - 2022-12)

• Supported the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual management accounts.
• Performed variance analysis on actual versus budget and forecast, identifying key movements and supporting performance reviews.
• Assisted with month-end close activities, including journals, accruals, prepayments and reconciliations.
• Prepared supporting schedules and financial documentation for year-end reporting and audit requirements.
• Worked closely with departments to improve understanding of expenditure and financial performance.
• Managed supplier invoice queries and supported the timely processing of financial transactions.

Qualified ACCA Member - Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (2024)

Bachelor of Science - Economics - Loughborough University (2015 - 2019)

Diploma - International Studies - Universitat de Valencia