At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial performance analysis, reporting, and strategic business partnering.
- Company: Join a dynamic insurance company focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for mentorship and career advancement in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by providing actionable financial insights to drive business success.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and 2+ years in financial planning and analysis.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Role Summary & Purpose
Lead Senior FP&A Analyst with a focus on performance reporting, forecasting, planning and subsequent analysis of financial information. Working as a senior key member of the FP&A team to provide detailed analysis of financial trends and variances, including KPIs and providing actionable insights to senior management. Strategic Business Partner lead to a number of underwriting units. Provide technical support and coaching to a team of Financial Analysts. Build and develop relationships with key stakeholders and assist with the provision of financial analysis, both historical and forward looking.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities
- Performance Analysis and Reporting, Forecasting and Planning
- Lead the preparation and presentation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to senior management and stakeholders.
- Provide in-depth analysis of variances between actual and forecasted results, identifying key drivers and recommending corrective actions.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics, providing actionable insights to improve business performance.
- Ensure timely and accurate reporting in compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with the Head of Financial Performance & Planning Lead to support the annual planning and quarterly forecasting processes as required (including Lloyds and Group planning requirements).
- Collaborate with senior management and departmental heads to gather relevant data and assumptions for financial reporting and projections.
- Provide insightful analysis and scenario planning to anticipate potential financial outcomes and mitigate risks.
- Strategic Business Partnering
- Act as a strategic partner to business units, providing financial insight and support to enable operational and strategic decision making.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate business opportunities, investments, and potential acquisitions.
- Support the development and implementation of strategic plans, ensuring financial feasibility and alignment with business goals.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance financial processes, systems, and reporting capabilities.
- Teamwork Leadership and Development
- Provide guidance to Financial Analysts.
- Lead and mentor a team of financial analysts, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.
- Provide regular feedback, coaching, and development opportunities to the wider FP&A team members to enhance their skills and performance.
- Ensure adequate training and resources are available to support the team’s objectives and deliverables.
- Recruit and onboard new team members, ensuring a smooth transition and integration into the team.
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Build and maintain relationships with departmental heads and other senior stakeholders, understand their financial needs and provide decision making support.
- Collaborate with department heads to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data.
- Process Improvement
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the expense management function.
- Implement best practices and new technologies to improve the efficiency and accuracy of expense tracking and management.
- Work with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements and implement changes effectively across reporting, forecasting and planning.
- Compliance and Governance
- Ensure all financial plans, forecasts and analysis comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Lead the development and maintenance of internal controls related to expense management.
- Provide support to internal and external audits processes as required.
- Ad-Hoc Analysis
- Lead/support the response to ad hoc requests for financial analysis and reporting from senior management and other stakeholders.
- Provide support to special projects and initiatives as required.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
- Deep understanding of financial modelling and forecasting techniques.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey financial information to non-financial stakeholders and build relationships across the organization.
- Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Technical Skills
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other financial analysis tools.
- Experience with financial planning software (e.g. Anaplan) is a plus.
- Familiarity with accounting systems and general ledger (e.g. Workday) software.
Qualifications
- Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is essential.
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a finance related discipline.
Experience
- Minimum of 2 years of post-qualified experience in financial planning and analysis, or a related role within the insurance industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior FP&A Analyst in London
✨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 archgroup. 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 Senior FP&A Analyst in London
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 archgroup.
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 archgroup'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 archgroup
✨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 archgroup.
✨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 archgroup 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 archgroup 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.
