At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, budgeting, and analysis to drive business growth.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on teamwork, integrity, and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising profitability and cash flow.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong FP&A experience and team leadership skills.
Role Purpose: The Finance, Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Manager will play a key role in supporting business growth by providing financial insight, forecasting, and strategic business partnering across the organisation. Leading a small team aligned to business functions and project teams, you will drive financial performance, improve decision-making, and ensure strong financial control across projects and operations.
You will partner with department heads, project leads, and senior stakeholders to translate commercial strategy into financial outcomes, improve forecasting accuracy, optimise profitability and cash flow, and strengthen financial understanding across the business. The role also supports month-end reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and continuous improvement of financial processes, systems, and controls.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
- Deliver insightful analysis on business, departmental, and project performance.
- Maintain financial integrity across revenue, margin, cash flow, and project reporting.
- Support commercial decisions through financial modelling, scenario analysis, and bid evaluation.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive profitability improvements.
- Produce clear, accurate management reporting and dashboards.
- Improve financial reporting, controls, systems, and forecasting processes.
- Drive simplification, automation, and continuous improvement across finance activities.
- Develop and maintain cash flow forecasting and reporting.
- Support working capital improvements and timely customer billing.
- Promote a cash-positive approach across projects and operations.
- Lead, coach, and develop the FP&A team.
- Build strong relationships across finance, commercial, engineering, and operations teams.
- Improve financial awareness and accountability across the business.
- Support a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on growth and continuous improvement.
- Support year-end audit requirements.
- Provide ad hoc analysis and support to the Finance Director and senior leadership team.
Skills & Experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience.
- Strong FP&A and commercial finance experience, ideally within manufacturing, engineering, or project-based environments.
- Knowledge of IFRS and revenue recognition preferred.
- Experience leading and developing teams.
- Strong analytical, financial modelling, and problem-solving skills.
- Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems.
- Ability to influence stakeholders and communicate financial information clearly.
Personal Attributes
- Demonstrates our company values of Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence and Courage.
- Hands on manager that is self-motivated and pro-active member of a Finance team with a commitment to getting the job done.
- Highly organised and methodical approach, with an eye for detail.
- Dedicated to furthering the standards of the department and finding solutions that fit the business.
Security Clearance Requirements: Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years.
Finance, Planning & Analysis Manager in Horsham employer: Chess Dynamics Ltd
As a Finance, Planning & Analysis Manager at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that champions teamwork, integrity, and excellence. We offer a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous improvement and development opportunities, all while being located in a vibrant area that fosters innovation and creativity. Join us to make a meaningful impact on our financial strategies and enjoy the benefits of a supportive team dedicated to your success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance, Planning & Analysis Manager in Horsham
✨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 Chess Dynamics 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 Finance, Planning & Analysis Manager in Horsham
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 Chess Dynamics 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 Chess Dynamics 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 Chess Dynamics 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 Chess Dynamics 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 Chess Dynamics 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 Chess Dynamics 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.
