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- Tasks: Lead the FP&A team, driving financial planning and forecasting processes.
- Company: AJ Bell is a fast-growing investment platform with over 593,000 customers.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27-31 days holiday, private healthcare, gym membership, and more perks.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping financial futures in a supportive, award-winning culture.
- Qualifications: Professional finance qualification and extensive leadership experience required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are now seeking a commercially minded Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) to join our Manchester based team and take a leading role in shaping our financial future. This is a high impact leadership opportunity for an experienced finance professional who combines strategic vision with technical excellence. You will lead the FP&A team, drive the Group’s financial planning and forecasting processes, and provide insight and challenge that enables effective decision making at the highest level of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Financial Leadership Partner with the CFO, ExCo, and senior leaders to support strategic decision making through actionable financial insight. Present complex financial information to executive leadership and the Board in a clear and impactful way.
- Business Planning & Forecasting Own the production and documentation of the Group’s three year plan, annual budgets, and long term forecasts. Ensure timely delivery of robust, evolving forecasts and analysis to support business planning and regulatory submissions (including ICARA). Build and maintain financial models to support rolling forecasts and scenario planning.
- Performance Analysis & Insight Direct the analysis of financial and non-financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities. Produce the monthly outturn and quarterly forecasts, providing high quality reporting and insight to key stakeholders. Continuously seek to unlock efficiencies and drive sustainable growth through insightful financial analysis. Lead the financial modelling to support ICARA, wind down planning, liquidity policies, and capital allocation frameworks. Provide input and analysis to support Investor Relations, and external financial communications. Oversee the production of monthly non-financial KPIs for internal and external reporting, including trading updates and Board packs. Lead efforts to streamline and enhance the reporting process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
- Leadership & Transformation Manage and mentor a high-performing team of financial analysts. Drive a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Champion process improvements and support finance transformation initiatives, including the development of integrated planning tools.
What We’re Looking For
- Professional qualification (CIMA, ACA, ACCA, CPA, or CFA)
- Extensive experience in financial planning and analysis, including significant time in a leadership capacity
- Experience in Financial Services or a highly regulated environment.
- Proven success influencing senior stakeholders and delivering financial strategy in a corporate setting.
- Strong commercial acumen and strategic mindset.
- Advanced financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting skills.
- Experience with financial systems (NetSuite, Workday, or similar) and advanced Excel skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and inspire teams.
About us
AJ Bell is one of the fastest-growing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an award-winning range of solutions that caters for everyone, from professional financial advisers to DIY investors with little to no experience. We have over 593,000 customers using our award-winning platform propositions to manage assets totalling more than £90.4 billion. Our customers trust us with their investments, and by continuously striving to make investing easier, we aim to help even more people take control of their financial futures. Having listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2018, AJ Bell is now a FTSE 250 company. Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol, we now have over 1,500 employees and have been named one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For’ for six consecutive years and in 2024 named a Great Place to Work.
Our perks and benefits
- Starting holiday entitlement of 27 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service and a holiday buy and sell scheme
- A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 8%
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Annual free share awards scheme
- Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
- Health Cash Plan – provided by SimplyHealth
- Private healthcare scheme and dental plan
- Free gym membership, with an on-site gym providing a wide range of free classes
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Sick pay+ pledge
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
- Discounted nursery fees at Kids Planet on Exchange Quay
- Loans for travel season tickets
- Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
- Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
- Parking at Exchange Quay (subject to availability)
- Ongoing technical training
- Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
- Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches
At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That’s why we offer a hybrid working model, where you’ll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues. AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work.
Head of Financial Planning & Analysis employer: AJ Bell Management Limited
Contact Detail:
AJ Bell Management Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning & Analysis
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the financial services sector, especially those who have experience in FP&A roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in financial planning and analysis.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial systems mentioned in the job description, such as NetSuite or Workday. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to enhance your skills in these platforms, as this will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing teams during the interview. Think of specific examples where you have successfully mentored team members or driven process improvements, as this aligns with the responsibilities of the Head of FP&A.
✨Tip Number 4
Research AJ Bell's recent financial performance and strategic initiatives. Being able to reference specific data or developments during your discussions will show your genuine interest in the company and your ability to provide actionable financial insights.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning & Analysis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in financial planning and analysis, especially in leadership roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic vision and technical excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your background aligns with the key responsibilities of the role. Emphasise your ability to partner with senior leaders and present complex financial information clearly.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your professional qualifications (CIMA, ACA, ACCA, CPA, or CFA) and any relevant experience in financial services or regulated environments. This will help establish your credibility for the position.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience in financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced senior stakeholders and driven financial strategy in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at AJ Bell Management Limited
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Before your interview, take the time to research AJ Bell and its position within the financial services industry. Familiarise yourself with their recent developments, financial performance, and strategic goals. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the role's focus on financial planning and analysis, be ready to discuss advanced financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting techniques. Prepare examples from your past experience that showcase your technical skills and how you've successfully influenced senior stakeholders with actionable insights.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
As a Head of FP&A, you'll be expected to lead and mentor a team. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've developed high-performing teams, driven a culture of excellence, and implemented process improvements in previous roles. Highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with AJ Bell's values.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You'll need to present complex financial information to executive leadership and the Board. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Use examples to illustrate your points and ensure you can explain financial concepts in a way that is accessible to non-financial stakeholders.
