At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis to support decision-making in a complex organisation.
- Company: Values-led not-for-profit organisation making a national impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and impactful work.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and influence financial decisions that matter.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong FP&A and stakeholder management experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Thame (Oxfordshire) with hybrid working (minimum, 2 days per week in the office) and occasional travel
Contract: Interim, Fixed Term Contract until 31 March 2027
Salary / day rate: 60,000 per annum (pro rata)
Reports to: Head of Finance
Affinity Trust is looking for an experienced Interim Senior FP&A Manager to bring senior finance capacity, challenge and insight across a complex, multi-site organisation. This is not a routine reporting role. We are looking for someone who can quickly get under the skin of operational performance, understand the financial drivers behind service delivery, and help senior leaders make better, faster and more informed decisions.
You will work closely with the Head of Finance, Finance Business Partners, Divisional Directors and operational leaders, providing high-quality analysis, forecasting, commercial insight and constructive challenge. The work will span income, workforce costs, agency and overtime spend, utilisation, fee rates, contract performance, forecasting assumptions and recovery planning.
This is a senior individual contributor role, adding experienced capacity where it is most needed, to help maintain pace across key priorities, and strengthen the link between financial insight and operational action.
The assignment will include:
- Leading robust forecasting and scenario modelling across a complex operational portfolio
- Providing senior finance business partnering to divisional and operational leaders
- Analysing key cost drivers, particularly workforce-related costs such as agency, overtime, sickness and staffing ratios
- Reviewing income, fee rates, local authority funding assumptions, utilisation and contract performance
- Supporting tenders, contract reviews, business cases and service sustainability analysis
- Helping identify whether financial pressure is driven by fee levels, operational delivery, workforce deployment or a combination of factors
- Translating complex financial information into clear insight, options and practical recommendations
- Supporting the head of finance and wider finance team with additional senior capacity during a period of increased demand
About you:
You will be a qualified accountant with ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent, and substantial experience in senior FP&A, finance business partnering or commercial finance roles. You will be confident working with senior stakeholders and able to bring both grip and judgement. You will know how to challenge assumptions constructively, explain complex financial information clearly, and turn analysis into action.
You are likely to have worked in a complex, multi-site or operationally demanding environment, where financial performance is closely linked to workforce planning, contract income, service delivery and operational decision-making.
You will bring:
- Strong FP&A, forecasting, modelling and management reporting experience
- Advanced Excel and analytical capability
- Credibility with senior operational and finance stakeholders
- Experience supporting budgeting, reforecasting, recovery planning and performance improvement
- The ability to work at pace, prioritise well and operate with a high level of autonomy
- A practical, commercial and solutions-focused approach
Experience in social care, healthcare, supported living, charity or not-for-profit settings would be helpful, but is not essential. Experience with Local Authority funding, high-volume staffing models, workforce cost pressures or interim turnaround environments would be particularly valuable.
This is an opportunity to make a visible impact quickly. You will be joining a values-led not-for-profit support organisation with national impact, where finance plays a central role in supporting sustainable, high-quality services for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. For the right person, this is a role with real substance: complex operations, senior stakeholder exposure, meaningful commercial analysis, and the chance to strengthen financial decision-making where it matters most.
Please note, if you are successful, we may need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (Criminal Record) check at the relevant level for the role. This will be paid for by us.
Director, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) employer: Affinity Trust
Affinity Trust is an exceptional employer that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture, offering hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance. With a strong focus on professional development, employees have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs, all while being part of a supportive team dedicated to excellence in financial planning and analysis.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in FP&A roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s financials and recent news. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their challenges and can bring valuable insights to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email reiterating your interest and highlighting how your skills align with their needs. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and gives you a better chance of standing out.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your FP&A experience, especially in complex environments, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past and how you can bring value to our team.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:In your application, be sure to demonstrate your understanding of financial drivers and operational performance. We want to see how you can translate complex financial data into actionable insights for senior leaders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Affinity Trust
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around forecasting and scenario modelling. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles, particularly in complex environments.
✨Understand the Organisation
Research Affinity Trust and its operational model. Familiarise yourself with their services and challenges, especially in relation to workforce costs and funding. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that require you to analyse financial scenarios or provide insights based on hypothetical situations. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as this will showcase your analytical skills and ability to turn data into actionable recommendations.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully partnered with senior stakeholders in the past. Highlight your ability to challenge assumptions constructively and communicate complex financial information in a clear and concise manner.
