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- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis, driving strategic decision-making and forecasting.
- Company: AJ Bell is a fast-growing investment platform, trusted by over 593,000 customers.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, private healthcare, gym membership, and more perks.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team, influence financial strategy, and contribute to sustainable growth.
- Qualifications: Professional finance qualification and extensive leadership experience in financial services required.
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.
- Regulatory & Scenario Modelling 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.
- Non-Financial Reporting 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
- Competitive starting salary
- 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
- Bike loan scheme
- Sick pay+ pledge
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
- Discounted nursery fees at Kids Planet on Exchange Quay
- Loans for travel season tickets
- Death in service scheme
- Paid time off for volunteer work
- 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
- Professional qualification support
- Talent development programmes
- Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
- Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches
Hybrid working
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 | Manchester, UK | Hybrid employer: Aj Bell
Contact Detail:
Aj Bell Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning & Analysis | Manchester, UK | Hybrid
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with AJ Bell's financial products and services. Understanding their offerings will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of AJ Bell on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in financial planning and analysis in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders and contributed to financial strategy in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in financial services and regulatory changes. Being knowledgeable about the industry will allow you to speak confidently about how these factors could impact AJ Bell's financial planning and analysis.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning & Analysis | Manchester, UK | Hybrid
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial planning and analysis, particularly 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 experience in influencing senior stakeholders and delivering financial strategy in a corporate setting.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your professional qualifications (CIMA, ACA, ACCA, CPA, or CFA) and any relevant certifications. This will help establish your credibility as a candidate for this high-impact leadership position.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Provide examples of how you have managed and mentored teams in the past. Highlight your ability to drive a culture of excellence and collaboration, which is crucial for this role at AJ Bell.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aj Bell
✨Understand the Financial Landscape
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the current financial landscape, especially within the financial services sector. Familiarise yourself with recent trends, regulations, and challenges that companies like AJ Bell face. This will help you demonstrate your strategic mindset and commercial acumen.
✨Prepare to Present Complex Information
As a Head of FP&A, you'll need to present complex financial data to senior stakeholders. Practice how you would explain intricate financial concepts in a clear and impactful way. Consider using examples from your past experience where you've successfully communicated financial insights to non-financial audiences.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've managed high-performing teams in the past. Prepare specific examples of how you've mentored team members, driven a culture of excellence, and implemented process improvements. This will highlight your ability to lead and inspire others.
✨Demonstrate Advanced Financial Modelling Skills
Given the importance of financial modelling in this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with advanced financial models, budgeting, and forecasting. You might even want to bring along a sample model or two to showcase your skills, as this could set you apart from other candidates.