At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis for a dynamic esports company, driving strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join BLAST, a leader in live and digital gaming experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced parental leave, health insurance, and exciting team events.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant London office with opportunities for international travel and team bonding.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the gaming industry while collaborating with top-tier professionals.
- Qualifications: Qualified ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent with FP&A experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About BLAST
At BLAST, we’re all about creating extraordinary live and digital experiences - from arena-packing esports tournaments to unforgettable content that engages fans around the globe.
Make It Bold by challenging the norm and delivering fresh, creative formats that redefine what’s possible in the industry. We
Make It Together by building close, collaborative partnerships with world-leading game publishers and brands to produce truly world-class results. And we
Make It Happen by bringing energy, precision, and a problem-solving mindset to everything we do - across games like Counter-Strike, DOTA 2, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, and Fortnite.
If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and share our passion for pushing boundaries, we’d love to hear from you.
The role
The Director of Financial Planning & Analysis will take the lead on BLAST's group-wide financial planning, forecasting, performance management, and strategic decision support.
You will own our forward-looking financial framework, translating the group's strategy into tangible financial plans.
By providing sharp commercial insight and rigorous performance analysis, you’ll ensure our Executive Leadership Team and Board have the data they need to make informed, strategic capital allocation decisions.
The Director will lead the continued evolution of FP&A from a reporting function into a strategic business partner, translating BLAST's strategy into measurable financial plans and providing early visibility of the opportunities, risks and actions required to improve growth, profitability, cash generation and long-term value creation.
Reporting to the VP Group Finance, you will collaborate closely with the CFOO, Director of Financial Control, Head of Treasury, the Executive Leadership Team, and business leaders across the Group.
Responsibilities
- Financial Planning & Forecasting
- Lead the group's annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes.
- Translate BLAST's strategy into clear, measurable financial plans and performance targets.
- Develop integrated forecasts that cover revenue, profitability, cash flow, investment, and funding needs.
- Lead scenario modelling and strategic analysis to support Executive and Board decision-making.
- Ensure financial plans are commercially grounded, operationally achievable, and aligned with our strategic priorities.
- Business Performance & Commercial Insight
- Own the group’s performance management framework and financial KPIs.
- Provide clear, actionable insights, identifying emerging trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Partner with business leaders to drive profitability, cash generation, and financial accountability.
- Challenge commercial assumptions and improve decision-making through robust financial analysis.
- Translate financial data into practical recommendations and management actions.
- Capital Allocation & Strategic Finance
- Lead the financial evaluation of major investments, strategic initiatives, and growth opportunities.
- Build business cases, investment appraisals, and scenario analyses.
- Support international expansion, acquisitions, and new business initiatives with commercial financial analysis.
- Monitor delivery of investment cases and expected financial benefits.
- Guide the Executive Leadership Team in prioritising capital allocation across the group.
- Executive, Board & Investor Support
- Act as a trusted strategic adviser to the CFOO and the Executive Leadership Team.
- Lead the development of forward-looking financial content for board reports and strategic reviews.
- Create financial models and materials for fundraising and investor engagement.
- Present financial performance, outlook and strategic recommendations clearly to senior stakeholders.
- Work closely with Financial Control to ensure consistency between historical reporting and future forecasts.
- FP&A Transformation & Business Partnering
- Drive the continued development of our FP&A processes, systems, and analytical capabilities.
- Define FP&A requirements for ERP, planning systems and management reporting.
- Improve forecasting accuracy and financial insight across the business.
- Foster strong finance business partnering relationships throughout the organisation.
- Build a high-performing FP&A team and contribute to the broader finance leadership agenda.
Essential
- Qualified ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent.
- Significant experience leading FP&A, Commercial Finance or Strategic Finance within a complex international organisation.
- Proven experience leading group-level planning, forecasting, and performance management.
- Strong commercial judgement and strategic financial modelling skills.
- Experience supporting Executive teams, Boards and major investment decisions.
- A track record of influencing senior stakeholders and leading high-performing finance teams.
Desirable
- Experience supporting fundraising, investor relations, or lender reporting.
- Experience with acquisitions, strategic projects or international expansion.
- Experience implementing planning systems, ERP, or finance transformation programmes.
- Experience within media, technology, gaming, entertainment, or other international project-led businesses.
- Success Measures
- Improved forecast accuracy and forward-looking visibility.
- Stronger alignment between financial planning and business strategy.
- Better commercial decision-making driven by high-quality financial insight.
- Effective capital allocation and investment appraisal.
- High-quality board, investor, and executive reporting.
- A scalable, commercially focused FP&A function recognised as a trusted strategic partner.
- Competitive salary package
- Enhanced parental leave
- Pension and Health Insurance
- Awesome central office in the centre of London
- Team building and social events
- Team breakfasts, snacks and sodas
- Company trips (2024 we all went to Barcelona, 2026 we went to Berlin and had a BLAST)
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis employer: BLAST
At BLAST, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. As a Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, you will not only have the opportunity to shape strategic financial decisions but also benefit from robust professional development programmes and a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and growth. Located in a vibrant international setting, our team is dedicated to making a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values each employee's contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
✨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 BLAST. 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 Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
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 BLAST.
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 BLAST'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 BLAST
✨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 BLAST.
✨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 BLAST 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 BLAST 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.
