At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of Finance with AI-driven forecasting and performance insights.
- Company: Join a global B2B software company in Sheffield, UK.
- Benefits: High-visibility role, access to modern data platforms, and collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with AI tools and influence financial decision-making.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance with cutting-edge technology and innovative processes.
- Qualifications: Experience in FP&A, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in SQL or Python.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Overview
We’re looking for an FP&A AI & Transformation Manager for our office in Sheffield, UK. This is a full-time, onsite position. You’ll join an awesome team to support our growing operations.
About the role
Aptean is investing heavily in its data and AI capability, built on a unified data platform (Microsoft Fabric) that brings together forecasting, CRM, professional services, and accounting data in one place. This role is primarily focused on transforming how our Finance function operates - moving from spreadsheet-driven month end and planning cycles (loaded into TM1) to dynamic, AI-assisted forecasting, performance insight and month end close periods. You will lead the transformation of how Finance produces and consumes analysis - setting the direction for the analytical layer that sits between our data platform and the business, and reshaping how Accounting and FP&A operate. This is a mandate to redesign the operating model: moving forecasting and reporting from manual assembly into a scaled, AI-augmented capability, and establishing the standards, tooling, and ways of working that determine how quickly leadership sees a coherent picture of financial performance.
Key Responsibilities
- FP&A Transformation (Core Focus)
- Partner with FP&A to redesign the forecasting process - replacing manual Excel-based inputs with structured, governed models built on our UDP (Microsoft Fabric), whilst testing Microsoft latest planning capability in Fabric.
- Build and maintain multi-scenario forecast models (rolling forecasts, budget vs actuals, working forecast) that pull live data from CRM pipeline, PS capacity and bookings, and recurring revenue streams.
- Develop driver-based planning models that give FP&A real levers to stress-test assumptions - headcount, bookings, utilization & churn, rather than just adjusting prior-period numbers.
- Introduce AI-assisted variance commentary: automatically surfacing what changed, why, and where to focus - so FP&A can add judgement rather than narrate data.
- Supporting FP&A with the monthly and quarterly reporting packs - building automated, always-current versions that replace point-in-time spreadsheets.
- Actuals Bridging (Supporting Function)
- Work with Accounting to ensure month-end actuals land cleanly in the platform and flow through to FP&A and business-facing dashboards with minimal lag.
- Use AI-assisted workflows to automate the translation of closed-period accounting data into business commentary - variance to budget, prior period, and forecast.
- Flag data quality issues at source so that actuals can be trusted without manual reconciliation each cycle.
- Stakeholder Enablement
- Act as the product owner for Finance’s reporting and planning tool needs (based on UDP data) - gathering requirements, prioritising, and delivering.
- Train and upskill FP&A team members to self-serve from apps and planning tools, reducing dependency on ad hoc data requests.
- Be the translator between what Finance needs and what the data platform can deliver.
About you
You have the financial rigour of a seasoned FP&A professional and the curiosity of someone who genuinely wants to rebuild how things work. You’re frustrated by manual processes not because they’re tedious, but because they get in the way of doing the interesting work. You’re as comfortable in a data model as you are in a board-level conversation, and you know how to make numbers tell a story.
Essential
- Significant hands-on FP&A experience - budgeting, forecasting, scenario modelling, and management reporting in a commercial environment.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in SQL and/or Python for data querying and modelling.
- Experience with Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, or a comparable modern data platform.
- Demonstrated ability to build or improve forecasting and planning processes, not just operate within them.
- Strong communicator - able to present financial insight clearly to senior stakeholders and work credibly with both Finance and Technology teams.
- Project management of FP&A tooling integration.
Desirable
- Experience applying AI or LLM tooling in a finance context - automated commentary, anomaly detection, natural language querying of financial data.
- Familiarity with SaaS or subscription business models: ARR, NRR, churn and recurring vs non-recurring revenue.
- Exposure to services businesses - understanding of utilisation, backlog, and capacity-driven revenue forecasting.
- Experience with CRM data (Salesforce or similar) as an input to revenue forecasting.
- A finance qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ACA) is advantageous but not required if experience is strong.
What we offer
- A high-visibility role shaping how a global B2B software company plans, forecasts, and understands its performance.
- Access to a modern, unified data platform (Microsoft Fabric) spanning CRM, services, forecasting, and accounting data.
- A collaborative environment spanning FP&A, Analytics, Strategy, and Technology.
AI-Driven FP&A Transformation Lead in Sheffield employer: Aptean
Aptean is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in Sheffield, UK, where innovation meets finance. Employees benefit from access to cutting-edge technology, including Microsoft Fabric, and have ample opportunities for professional growth through hands-on experience in transforming financial processes with AI. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your insights and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI-Driven FP&A Transformation Lead in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at local events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your skills can help them with their AI-driven transformation goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions, especially around FP&A and data analytics.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace AI-Driven FP&A Transformation Lead in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Transformation:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for transforming finance processes. Share examples of how you've improved forecasting or reporting in the past, and how you envision using AI to make things even better.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role is all about data, make sure to highlight your analytical skills. Mention any experience with SQL, Python, or Microsoft Fabric, and how you've used these tools to drive insights and decision-making in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to match the job description. Use keywords from the posting, especially around FP&A transformation and AI capabilities, to show that you’re the perfect fit for our team.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aptean
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re well-versed in financial concepts like budgeting, forecasting, and scenario modelling. Brush up on your SQL and Python skills too, as they’ll likely come up during the interview. Being able to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles will show you're ready for the challenge.
✨Understand the Tech
Familiarise yourself with Microsoft Fabric and any other relevant data platforms mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve leveraged technology to improve FP&A processes. Showing that you can bridge the gap between finance and tech will set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Transformation Mindset
This role is all about transformation, so be ready to share examples of how you've redesigned processes in the past. Talk about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially if they involved moving from manual to automated systems.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a strong communicator, you’ll need to present financial insights to senior stakeholders. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Use examples from your experience where you successfully communicated insights that influenced decision-making.
