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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the FP&A function, managing budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting.
- Company: Join a global manufacturing group with a strong reputation in the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 20% bonus, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving financial strategy and supporting executive decisions.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA/CIMA/ACCA qualified with significant experience in FP&A roles.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment with a focus on team development.
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 77000 £ per year.
Job Description
Head of Group FP&A | Salary £110k + 20% bonus | Hybrid working with a requirement to work out of the Central London and Greater London offices.
We’re hiring a Head of Group FP&A for a global manufacturing group. In this role you’ll lead the Group’s FP&A function, setting strategy and ensuring excellence in budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting. This includes delivering the annual budget, quarterly forecasts, five-year strategic plans, and monthly Board-level performance analysis. The role also oversees UK cost accounting, supports Group-wide strategic initiatives with analytical insight, and continuously improves tools and processes to drive value.
Head of Group FP&A Key accountabilities:
- Define and lead the Group’s FP&A strategy.
- Manage the Group’s budgeting, forecasting, and planning processes, coordinating across subsidiaries and business units.
- Deliver high-quality monthly performance reports for the Board, enabling informed decision-making.
- Lead the FP&A team, including two direct reports and two UK-based cost accountants, providing guidance, development and performance oversight.
- Develop and enhance forecasting, budgeting, and modelling tools to improve financial insight and decision support.
- Leverage ERP systems and build robust databases to support timely, accurate analysis.
- Maintain and refine reporting and analytical hierarchies within the reporting system.
- Lead cost accounting activity at the UK manufacturing site and drive improvements in variable cost analysis.
- Prepare and continuously improve the monthly Board report in collaboration with Group Accounting and IT.
- Identify meaningful KPIs and develop operational and financial scorecards to track performance.
- Monitor results, highlight trends, investigate variances, and recommend improvement actions.
- Deliver high-quality written and verbal analysis to support both routine and ad hoc business needs.
- Provide financial modelling and scenario analysis to support executive-level sales and margin initiatives.
Candidate requirements:
- ACA/CIMA/ACCA qualified (or equivalent).
- Significant post-qualification experience, including time in a Head of FP&A or similar role.
- Experience working internationally and across cultures.
- Background in commercial finance, preferably within manufacturing.
- Proven success in improving finance team efficiency and effectiveness.
- Strong communication across all levels of the organisation.
- Track record of developing and managing teams.
- Gravitas to confidently present to the Board and Exec, while being approachable and engaged on the shop floor.
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling capabilities.
- Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proactive, value-driven, and commercially astute.
If you're ready to take ownership of the FP&A function for a global manufacturing business, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV.
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Head of Group FP&A employer: Smartsearch Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Smartsearch Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Group FP&A
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in FP&A, especially within the manufacturing sector. Understanding current challenges and innovations can help you speak confidently about how you would lead the function at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FP&A field, particularly those who have experience in global manufacturing. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've improved finance team efficiency and effectiveness in your previous roles. Highlighting measurable outcomes will demonstrate your capability to drive value in our organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your advanced Excel and financial modelling skills during any discussions or interviews. Being able to articulate your proficiency in these areas will be crucial for a role that demands high-quality analysis and reporting.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Group FP&A
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in FP&A, budgeting, and forecasting. Emphasise your qualifications (ACA/CIMA/ACCA) and any leadership roles you've held, particularly in a manufacturing context.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that outlines your understanding of the role and how your background aligns with the key accountabilities. Mention specific achievements in previous roles that demonstrate your ability to lead FP&A functions and improve financial processes.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on skills such as advanced Excel capabilities, financial modelling, and your experience in managing teams. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with senior management and contributed to strategic initiatives.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, ensure that your documents are free from errors and formatted professionally. A well-organised application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Head of FP&A role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smartsearch Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As the Head of Group FP&A, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to define and lead financial strategies. Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in setting FP&A strategies and how they contributed to the overall success of the organisation.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to showcase your leadership style. Be ready to share examples of how you've developed and managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the role's focus on budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting, expect technical questions related to these areas. Brush up on advanced Excel techniques and financial modelling to confidently answer any queries.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Cultural Experience
Since the role involves working internationally, be prepared to discuss your experience in diverse cultural settings. Highlight any specific instances where you successfully navigated cross-cultural challenges in finance.
