At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead FP&A operations, mentor a team, and optimise financial processes with AI.
- Company: Join Busuu, a scaling EdTech company with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, free lunches, health insurance, and a dedicated training budget.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values bold ideas and continuous growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance while making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in FP&A, advanced Excel skills, and a passion for AI automation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced FP&A person to join our Finance team on a 6 month fixed term contract. You will provide expert financial operations advisory, own critical financial models and analysis, and mentor a team of four FP&A professionals. Your focus will be on the operational side of FP&A—financial reporting, month-end close support, cash flow forecasting, and financial data architecture—while maintaining clear boundaries with our accounting team. This is an engagement where your independent judgment, technical expertise, and process optimisation recommendations will drive efficiency and quality across FP&A operations.
Key Accountabilities
- Financial planning and analysis reporting liaison: Provide expert advice on FP&A reporting outputs, dashboards, and management packs that support month-end close and business performance review. Ensure FP&A deliverables align with accounting schedules and data requirements. Act as the interface between FP&A and accounting—translating business metrics into financial statements and vice versa, while maintaining clear boundaries on what accounting owns vs. what FP&A owns.
- Management accounting model development and maintenance: Design, build, and maintain core FP&A models (P&L analysis, revenue bridge, cost tracking, profitability by segment). Apply independent judgment on model structure, assumptions, and granularity; continuously enhance models to support management decision-making and business performance analysis. Document models thoroughly for team continuity.
- Cash flow forecasting and working capital analysis: Develop and own the rolling cash flow forecast and working capital model. Provide independent financial analysis on cash flow drivers, payment terms impact, and liquidity planning. Advise business stakeholders on the timing implications of decisions on cash position. Mentor team members on forecasting best practices and cash management principles.
- Financial data architecture for FP&A: Lead the design and implementation of FP&A data workflows, reporting infrastructure, and KPI dashboards that feed into business performance reviews. Independently evaluate tools and systems; recommend enhancements to data integrity, reporting efficiency, and speed of monthly close support from FP&A side. Coach the team on data governance and reporting standards.
- AI workflow optimization for FP&A operations: Identify and design AI-powered automation opportunities across FP&A workflows—model building, variance analysis, forecasting, scenario planning, and report generation. Independently evaluate AI tools to reduce manual effort and accelerate month-end close timelines. Build proof-of-concepts and recommend implementation approaches that enhance team productivity while maintaining data quality and auditability. Develop team capability in AI-assisted financial analysis.
- Month-end close support from FP&A perspective: Own FP&A's contribution to month-end close—ensuring timely revenue analysis, cost accrual review, variance investigation, and reconciliation of FP&A outputs to accounting schedules. Coordinate with accounting on timing and data handoffs; identify and flag FP&A-side issues that may impact close speed or accuracy. Leverage AI tools to accelerate analysis and reduce close cycle time. Guide the team through month-end processes and quality standards.
- Team mentoring and capability development: Guide and mentor the FP&A team on technical skills, analytical approaches, and professional development. Provide feedback on work quality, help team members solve complex financial problems, and develop their expertise in modeling, forecasting, and financial analysis. Support their growth while maintaining high standards for FP&A deliverables.
- Ad-hoc financial analysis and business case support: Support ad-hoc requests from Finance leadership and business stakeholders—scenario modeling, variance investigations, business case ROI analysis, and financial impact assessments. Apply independent analytical judgment to prioritize requests; deliver high-quality analysis with clear assumptions and recommendations on a flexible timeline. Delegate appropriately to team members to develop their analytical capabilities.
What We're Looking For
- Qualified finance professional with 5+ years FP&A or financial operations experience in high-growth, high-tech environments.
- Interest in AI and automation—experience applying AI tools to financial workflows is a requirement.
- Advanced Excel skills with proven ability to build and maintain complex financial models.
- Experience with financial planning systems (NetSuite, Adaptive Planning, or similar).
- Strong understanding of month-end close processes, variance analysis, and financial reporting.
- Ability to mentor and guide colleagues, with excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Naturally curious, with the ability to ask the right questions and challenge the status quo.
- Demonstrated ability to meet strict deadlines while managing multiple projects.
At Busuu we want to ensure that you have access to some great benefits:
- Our centrally located offices are well-equipped with free breakfast, plenty of snacks and fresh fruit if you are working on a hybrid contract.
- You get 2 free lunches per week at our office that you can choose out of a wide selection of restaurants in the area.
- Busuu offers a great Private Health Insurance scheme.
- There is a dedicated training budget to ensure our employees can continuously grow and progress in their careers.
- We like to support our teams with their work-life balance so we offer flexible working hours and a hybrid or remote model of working.
- We offer enhanced maternity and paternity leave (depending on location).
- Staying connected as a team is very important to us, so we have lots of social activities for you to join such as team lunches, Thursday socials, quarterly team, and company events.
Why Busuu?
- Work with a scaling EdTech business at a pivotal moment—supporting ambitious growth targets across B2B and B2C.
- Opportunity to shape FP&A processes and systems; your recommendations will directly impact how the finance function operates.
- Chance to leverage AI and automation in a forward-thinking environment—we're actively exploring how AI can enhance financial operations.
- Mentor and develop a talented team, with clear autonomy over your area.
- Flexible engagement structure tailored to fit your schedule and expertise.
Next Steps
If you're interested, please send your CV and a brief note on your FP&A and AI automation experience to our Finance leadership. We'll aim for a quick chat to explore fit and discuss engagement terms. We pride ourselves on embracing our differences—whether cultural, professional, or otherwise. If you'd like to be part of a team that values diverse perspectives and creates space for bold ideas, we'd love to hear from you.
FP&A Team Lead - 6 month Fixed Term Contract employer: Busuu
At Busuu, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and innovation. Our centrally located offices provide a range of benefits including flexible working hours, a dedicated training budget, and a vibrant social culture, ensuring that our employees thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the EdTech sector while enjoying a supportive team atmosphere and the opportunity to leverage cutting-edge AI technologies in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FP&A Team Lead - 6 month Fixed Term Contract
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those in FP&A roles. A casual chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your best financial models and analyses. When you get that interview, bring it along to demonstrate your expertise and how you can add value to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Busuu, and express your interest in FP&A roles. You never know what opportunities might be available!
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on AI trends! Since this role values AI and automation, make sure you’re familiar with tools like Claude. Mentioning your knowledge in interviews can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace FP&A Team Lead - 6 month Fixed Term Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the FP&A role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial operations, cash flow forecasting, and any AI tools you've used. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities—show us what you’ve accomplished! Use numbers and specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve improved processes or driven efficiency in your previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can bring to our team.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. A well-structured application helps us understand your qualifications quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates about your application status. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Busuu
✨Know Your Financial Models
Make sure you’re well-versed in the financial models relevant to FP&A. Be prepared to discuss how you've designed, built, and maintained these models in your previous roles. Highlight your experience with P&L analysis and cash flow forecasting, as this will show your technical expertise.
✨Showcase Your AI Knowledge
Since the role involves leveraging AI for workflow optimisation, come ready to discuss any experience you have with AI tools like Claude or similar platforms. Share specific examples of how you've used these tools to enhance financial operations or improve efficiency.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-world scenarios, such as month-end close challenges or variance analysis. Think through past experiences where you’ve had to make independent judgments and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Mentorship Skills
As a team lead, your ability to mentor others is crucial. Prepare to discuss how you've guided team members in the past, focusing on your approach to developing their skills in financial analysis and modelling. This will show that you can not only lead but also uplift your team.
