Head of Financial Planning & Analysis

We are looking to hire a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) to lead the FP&A function, delivering insightful financial analysis and strategic advice to guide the company’s financial health and strategic growth. This role will partner closely with senior management, including the Head of Finance (UK & Europe), to drive data-led decision-making, oversee all aspects of financial forecasting, budgeting, and performance reporting, and support external reporting requirements. The Head of FP&A will also manage a small team, ensuring the effective delivery of FP&A initiatives across the organization and acting as a trusted advisor to the broader finance function and executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Business Partnering

• Develop and provide financial insights, recommendations, and analysis to support the company's strategic direction and decision-making
• Conduct competitor analysis and industry benchmarking to inform and refine strategic plans
• Partner with senior management to analyse, evaluate, and monitor new business opportunities and initiatives
• Support strategic projects, including M&A evaluations, strategic investment cases, and long-term value creation
• Contribute to the external messaging of company strategy and performance, including preparation for investor relations and external communications such as the Annual Report, Analyst Presentation, and other public disclosures

Financial Analysis and Performance Management

• Oversee monthly analysis of business unit and regional performance, identifying key insights and opportunities to drive growth and profitability
• Collaborate with regional and business unit leaders to implement targeted action plans based on financial insights
• Drive continuous improvement in FP&A reporting processes, ensuring alignment with evolving business needs, with a strong focus on revenue, profitability, and cost efficiency metrics
• Collaborate with the BI team to ensure data accuracy, reliability, and timeliness for all FP&A reporting
• Lead stress testing initiatives, providing insights into potential scenarios and working closely with Risk and Prudential Reporting departments to support regulatory requirement
• Drive optimisation of the Group’s cost base, advising on cost allocation methodologies and other cost-management strategies.

Forecasting, Budgeting, and Financial Modelling

• Lead the company-wide budgeting and forecasting processes, establishing a disciplined, accurate, and agile approach
• Collaborate with key departments such as Marketing, Sales, and Operations to model revenue and expenses, ensuring forecasts reflect business dynamics
• Develop and enhance group financial models to support the company’s growth, covering revenue projections, operating costs, capital requirements, and liquidity
• Implement KPI frameworks and continuously review and refine KPIs to align with evolving business goals
• Oversee the production of management information, including daily, weekly, and monthly revenue and KPI reporting for senior management and the Board
• Ensure timely, insightful, and high-quality reporting for senior leadership and Board meetings

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a small team of FP&A professionals, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring ongoing professional development.
• Provide mentorship and support to junior team members, promoting engagement and skill development within the FP&A function.
• Cultivate a collaborative and innovative FP&A environment, promoting best practices and continuous improvement in processes and reporting

General Responsibilities

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant financial and regulatory trends, ensuring the FP&A function adheres to all regulatory and compliance requirements.

KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)
• Proven experience in a senior FP&A role, ideally within a complex or multi-regional environment.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills, with a track record of providing actionable insights and recommendations.
• Excellent understanding of financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Experience with segmental reporting, cost allocation methodologies, and regulatory reporting
• Good presentation skills, able to produce concise documents that deliver meaningful information.
• Strong leadership and team management experience, with a focus on professional development and performance management.
• Proactive and open to change and willingness to reengineer and change processes.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders, including confidence to question and challenge.
• Advanced proficiency with financial systems and tools, along with strong Excel and data manipulation skills