Associate Director - Financial Planning & Analysis

At Aztec, we're committed to building and nurturing a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to grow. We know that different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthen our business and we welcome applications from all individuals. So, if your experience doesn't exactly match with every part of the job description, but you are excited about the role, we would still like to hear from you. If you are passionate, curious, innovative and data driven, you could still be a good fit.

About the role

Reports to Director of FP&A. The Associate Director FP&A will play a pivotal role in shaping Group performance, by owning and leading the Group financial planning, forecasting and performance analysis, influencing senior leaders, including our Executive Committee and working closely with operating divisions, Finance Business Partners and Group Reporting. The role will provide high-quality insight to support and shape strategic decision-making, Board and Executive reporting, and ongoing performance management across the Group.

Key responsibilities

• Budgeting, planning and forecasting – Own and lead the Group budgeting and reforecasting processes, ensuring robust, consistent and timely delivery across all divisions and jurisdictions. Partner with divisions throughout the year to understand and challenge budget, plan and forecast assumptions, key drivers, trends, risks and opportunities. Review budgets and forecasts against expectations, driving insights and emerging themes to influence strategic decision-making. Own the consolidation of multi-location financial forecasts, including revenue, costs, cash flow and headcount for group and jurisdictional board reviews. Challenge underlying assumptions and ensure forecasts align with business strategy, pipeline and CRM data. Lead the preparation of Board and Executive level reporting packs, shaping the performance narrative by clear variance analysis, KPI commentary, forward-looking insight and recommended actions. Support the development of longer-term strategic plans with appropriate financial forecasting, metrics and scenario analysis.
• Monthly reporting – Oversee monthly performance reporting, working closely with Finance Business Partnering and Group Reporting teams to provide insight on business performance, risks and opportunities and influence outcomes. Develop a strong understanding of the key drivers of revenue performance, divisional margin and KPI trends. Deliver concise variance analysis and commentary for monthly reporting and executive review. Partner with divisions and Finance Business Partners to monitor performance, initiatives and trends, and assess the impact on the full-year forecast.
• Strategic and ad-hoc analysis – Lead complex financial modelling and scenario analysis to support strategic initiatives. Provide financial planning and analysis support for large projects, M&A and other strategic initiatives. Drive high standards of output, setting and embedding Group FP&A standards, ensuring consistency and high-quality planning, analysis and reporting. Provide adhoc data analysis to the business and executive leaders to support analysis of financial performance. Translating complex financial data into clear insight and recommendations.
• Other responsibilities – Lead and develop the FP&A team and wider finance team members, including objective setting, coaching and performance management. Build team capability in financial modelling, analytics and stakeholder engagement. Drive continuous improvement in FP&A processes, systems and reporting, improving automation, scalability and efficiency.

Skills, knowledge, expertise

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with significant post-qualification experience in strategic planning, analysis and reporting.
• Strong FP&A experience within a multi-entity or professional services environment; experience in financial services would be advantageous.
• Proven track record of delivering budgeting, forecasting, performance reporting and Board-level analysis.
• Ability to influence senior leaders.
• Advanced financial modelling, analytical and Excel skills, with the ability to consolidate complex information and improve planning processes using data analytical tools.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and present clearly to executive audiences.
• Experience managing and developing teams, with a focus on quality, coaching and continuous improvement.
• Inquisitive and commercially minded, with a strong interest in understanding the wider business.

Benefits

• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Flexible, hybrid working
• Ability to work abroad for up to 3 weeks per annum
• Generous holiday allowance
• Pension scheme
• Private medical insurance, including eye care
• Life assurance (death in service and critical illness benefit)
• Worldwide travel insurance
• Health and wellbeing programmes
• On-site parking (location dependent)

With an ambitious vision for further growth, we're always on the lookout for bright individuals to join our journey. Progress your career with a company that will support you every step of the way. At Aztec, we provide talented and dynamic individuals with the opportunity to build a rewarding career. We're an ambitious company, committed to building long-term partnerships with our clients and delivering operational excellence at every stage of their fund's lifecycle. Our culture is what makes us a standout place to work. Our people are at the heart of our business: putting clients first; delivering service excellence; working as one team; building lasting connections and embodying our values and purpose. Join us and discover what makes us the bright alternative.