Senior FP&A Analyst

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.
  • 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.