Financial Planning and Analysis Manager in Watford

Financial Planning and Analysis Manager in Watford

Watford Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Aila Recruitment | B Corp

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead budgeting, forecasting, and performance management processes while driving finance transformation.
  • Company: Established manufacturing company with a supportive culture and focus on sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, share incentive plan, enhanced pension, and flexible hybrid working.
  • Other info: Join a financially secure business with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of finance reporting and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong FP&A experience and analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

Are you a Qualified, value-add Accountant with strong FP&A experience who enjoys building better reporting, challenging assumptions and being involved in finance transformation?

Aila Recruitment is delighted to be exclusively partnered with a leading manufacturing company in Hertfordshire as they look to appoint a talented FP&A Manager permanently, reporting into the Head of FP&A.

About the Company:

  • A long-established manufacturer with a great working culture and supportive environment.
  • £130m revenue, strong EBITDA and a focus on sustainability and impact.
  • A standout, financially secure business spanning multiple divisions, with investment in systems, reporting and finance.

The Role:

Reporting to the Head of FP&A, you will lead the core planning, reporting and performance management processes across the Group, providing strong control over budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and 5-year planning. You will help shape the future reporting journey by developing improved frameworks, driving Power BI adoption and the FP&A side of an EPM system integration. It is an ideal opportunity for someone who is analytical, commercially curious and confident enough to constructively challenge Finance Business Partners and senior stakeholders to raise the quality of planning and insight across the group.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the budgeting and forecasting consolidation process across both businesses, ensuring submissions are complete, accurate, consistent and delivered to agreed timelines.
  • Perform initial reviews of budget and forecast outputs, identifying key movements and areas requiring further challenge ahead of Head of FP&A review.
  • Constructively challenge Finance Business Partners on assumptions, phasing, variances and performance narratives to improve planning and reporting quality.
  • Develop a clear management reporting framework that can be translated into Power BI dashboards and adopted consistently across the group.
  • Partner with IT, data and finance stakeholders to improve data quality and support the transition from manual to automated, insight-led reporting.
  • Lead the EPM (Vena) integration from an FP&A perspective, ensuring budgeting, forecasting, reporting and 5YP requirements are properly scoped, tested and embedded.
  • Own and control the FP&A calendar, coordinating key planning milestones, review meetings and submission deadlines.
  • Lead the 5-Year Plan process, consolidating outputs across both businesses and providing clear insight, risks and recommendations to the Head of FP&A.

The Ideal Candidate:

  • Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
  • Strong FP&A experience, including budgeting, forecasting and long-range planning.
  • Experience developing frameworks, dashboards or KPI packs, with exposure to Power BI.
  • Experience with EPM, planning system or reporting transformation projects highly desirable, ideally with Vena.
  • Strong analytical skills, able to turn complex financial information into clear, actionable insight.
  • A confident stakeholder manager who can challenge assumptions constructively.

What they Offer:

  • Salary of £75,000 - £80,000.
  • Share incentive plan.
  • Enhanced pension.
  • Life Assurance & PMI.
  • Flexible hybrid working, 2 to 3 days in the office.

How to Apply:

We want to hear from you if you are excited about this opportunity and believe you have what it takes to excel in this role. Apply now for further information.

About Aila Recruitment:

Aila is a specialist finance recruitment business dedicated to providing the best jobs to the best people. We operate as an extended arm of our client's business and a career coach for our candidates' ongoing development.

Financial Planning and Analysis Manager in Watford employer: Aila Recruitment | B Corp

Join a leading UK retailer that values ambition and innovation, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact financial performance and strategic growth. With significant investment in digital transformation and a commitment to employee development, this role provides an excellent opportunity for professional growth while enjoying competitive benefits such as a generous salary, car allowance, and hybrid working arrangements in the vibrant city of London.

Aila Recruitment | B Corp

Contact Details:

Aila Recruitment | B Corp Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Financial Planning and Analysis Manager in Watford

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Aila Recruitment | B Corp. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Financial Planning and Analysis Manager in Watford

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)
Budgeting
Forecasting
Management Reporting
Power BI
EPM Systems (Vena)
Data Quality Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Aila Recruitment | B Corp.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Aila Recruitment | B Corp's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Aila Recruitment | B Corp

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Aila Recruitment | B Corp.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Aila Recruitment | B Corp will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Aila Recruitment | B Corp employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.