At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis to drive strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join CrossCountry, a diverse and inclusive workplace committed to community reflection.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact through financial modelling and analysis in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or working towards qualification with strong financial analysis skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Purpose of Job
The FP&A Manager is responsible for delivering high-quality financial planning, modelling, and analysis to support decision-making across CrossCountry. Reporting to the Head of FP&A, this role plays a key part in the annual business planning process, forecasting, and long-term financial modelling.
As the analytical lead within FP&A, the role owns and develops financial models that link P&L, balance sheet, and cashflow, providing clear insight into performance drivers, risks, and opportunities. The FP&A Manager works closely with the Financial Controller, Finance Business Partners and other stakeholders to ensure robust, data-driven planning and forecasting aligned to DfT funding requirements.
Financial Planning and Forecasting
- Support the Head of FP&A in delivering the annual business plan and periodic forecasts, ensuring alignment with DfT funding requirements.
- Develop and maintain robust forecasting processes, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and transparency of assumptions.
- Develop and maintain a controlled assumptions log, ensuring all planning and forecasting inputs are clearly defined, version-controlled, and consistently applied across models.
- Ensure all assumptions are traceable to operational and financial drivers, working with Finance Business Partners to validate inputs.
Financial Modelling and Scenario Analysis
- Own and develop integrated financial models linking P&L, balance sheet, and cashflow.
- Deliver scenario modelling and sensitivity analysis to support decision-making and risk assessment.
- Support strategic projects through detailed financial modelling and evaluation of options.
Workforce and Cost Modelling
- Own and maintain the workforce cost model, ensuring accurate reflection of headcount, pay, and related cost drivers.
- Provide insight into workforce cost trends, risks, and opportunities as part of planning and forecasting cycles.
Cashflow and Long-Term Planning
- Own long-term cashflow forecasting, ensuring clear visibility of liquidity, funding requirements, and financial sustainability.
- Analyse underlying drivers of cash performance, including working capital and capital expenditure.
Performance Insight and Analysis
- Provide high-quality analytical support to explain financial performance, including key drivers, trends, and variances.
- Translate complex financial outputs into clear, actionable insights for senior stakeholders.
- Support the development of MI and reporting to enhance planning and decision-making.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Support
- Work closely with Finance Business Partners to provide modelling, analysis, and planning support.
- Act as a key contact for FP&A outputs, ensuring consistency and alignment across the finance function.
- Support the Head of FP&A with ad hoc analysis, presentations, and strategic deliverables.
Key Attributes and Skills
- Financial Modelling and Analytical Expertise: Advanced financial modelling skills, with the ability to build best practice integrated models across P&L, balance sheet, and cashflow. Strong analytical capability, able to interpret complex data and identify key drivers and insights. High attention to detail and accuracy in model development and outputs.
- Commercial Insight and Business Understanding: Strong understanding of financial performance drivers, including cost, revenue, and cash dynamics. Ability to support strategic decision-making through robust analysis and scenario modelling.
- Planning and Forecasting Excellence: Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes. Ability to manage multiple inputs and assumptions in a structured and disciplined way.
- Collaboration and Communication: Strong interpersonal skills, working effectively with Finance Business Partners and wider stakeholders. Able to communicate complex financial concepts clearly and concisely.
- Integrity and Rigour: Demonstrates strong integrity and ownership of financial models and outputs. Ensures transparency, consistency, and robustness of assumptions and methodologies.
Experience, Knowledge, Qualifications & Training
Essential:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or actively working towards qualification with relevant experience.
- Strong experience in financial planning, analysis, and modelling.
- Advanced Excel and best practice FAST financial modelling capability.
- Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysis.
- Strong understanding of financial statements and cashflow dynamics.
- Ability to work collaboratively across finance teams, particularly with business partnering functions.
Desirable
- Experience in transport, infrastructure, or regulated environments.
- Experience supporting DfT business planning or similar funding models.
Diversity & Inclusion
At CrossCountry, we believe our people should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Inclusion isn’t just part of our strategy — it’s central to our success. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to be their best.
FP&A Manager employer: Arriva Rail London Ltd
CrossCountry Trains is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring every team member feels valued and empowered. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation where your contributions directly impact our financial planning and analysis efforts, driving success across the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FP&A Manager
✨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 Arriva Rail London Ltd. 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 FP&A Manager
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 Arriva Rail London Ltd.
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 Arriva Rail London Ltd'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 Arriva Rail London Ltd
✨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 Arriva Rail London Ltd.
✨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 Arriva Rail London Ltd 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 Arriva Rail London Ltd 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.
