Group Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in London

Group Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Control Risks

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis, driving insights for executive decision-making.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team at Control Risks, a leader in risk management.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, global bonus scheme, and flexible hybrid working options.
  • Other info: Embrace a diverse workplace committed to equal opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping financial strategies and processes.
  • Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with strong FP&A experience.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

A high-profile, central FP&A leadership role responsible for driving group-wide financial planning, reporting, and insight, supporting Executive and Board decision-making. The role leads standardisation, automation, and continuous improvement of financial processes across the organisation.

Requirements

What You'll Do:

  • Reporting & Insight
    • Own and lead global management reporting, including monthly accounts and Board/ExCo reporting.
    • Deliver clear variance analysis, insights, and remedial actions.
    • Develop standardised, automated reporting (Power BI, AI-driven).
    • Oversee group and departmental reporting packs and external reporting (e.g. banks).
  • Planning & Forecasting
    • Lead annual budget and quarterly forecast cycles (end-to-end ownership).
    • Deliver reforecasts highlighting risks and opportunities.
    • Own multi-year financial model (incl. balance sheet and cashflow).
    • Support strategic planning, business cases, and scenario modelling.
    • Provide going concern and audit support.
  • Business Partnering
    • Ensure effective Finance Business Partner support across the business.
    • Provide challenge and insight to improve decision-making.
    • Lead on financial evaluation of investment and strategic initiatives.
    • Build strong and positive relationships with budget holders and senior managers, providing the necessary assistance and professional advice to assist them with the financial aspects of their duties.
    • Ensure leaders understand and ‘own’ their numbers and receive analysis that informs and supports effective decision making.
  • Systems, Processes & Controls
    • Own FP&A processes, systems, and continuous improvement agenda.
    • Drive efficiency, automation, and self-service reporting capability.
    • Ensure data integrity and robust financial controls in collaboration with Financial Control.
  • Leadership & Ad hoc
    • Lead and develop a team of 5 (Cardiff-based).
    • Deputise for the Group Commercial Finance Director as required.
    • Handle ad hoc commercial and strategic analysis.

Who You Are:

Experience

  • Senior FP&A leader, ideally from professional services / highly disciplined multi-geography businesses.
  • Strong experience in complex budgeting & forecasting environments.
  • Management reporting for senior stakeholders.
  • Strategic financial planning and modelling.

Skills

  • Highly analytical, able to translate financial data into business insight.
  • Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills (incl. senior leadership).
  • Proven team leadership and development capability.
  • Advanced systems expertise (Power BI, AI tools, Excel modelling).
  • Ability to balance multiple priorities and deliver at pace.
  • Good written and oral communication skills, able to communicate clearly, concisely, accurately and in ways that promote understanding, to both finance and non-finance specialists.
  • Highly organised individual.

Qualifications

  • Professionally qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA / CIPFA).
  • Experience in a group-level role with ongoing professional development.
  • Driving standardisation and automation across FP&A.
  • Providing clear, decision-focused insight to senior stakeholders.
  • Embedding strong financial ownership across the business.
  • Enhancing forecast accuracy and strategic planning capability.
  • Building a high-performing FP&A team and function.

Benefits

Control Risks offers a competitively positioned compensation and benefits package that is transparent and summarised in the full job offer. We operate a discretionary global bonus scheme that incentivises, and rewards individuals based on company and individual performance. Control Risks supports hybrid working arrangements, wherever possible, that emphasise the value of in-person time together - in the office and with our clients - while continuing to support flexible and remote working. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us and are fully committed to equal treatment, free from discrimination, of all candidates throughout our recruitment process. Control Risks is committed to a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made in order to participate fully in the interview process, please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.

Group Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in London employer: Control Risks

Control Risks is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cardiff that fosters professional growth and innovation. With a strong emphasis on hybrid working arrangements, employees benefit from a flexible approach while being part of a collaborative team dedicated to driving financial excellence. The company prioritises diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, making it an ideal place for talented individuals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

Control Risks

Contact Details:

Control Risks Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Group Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world and let them know you're on the hunt for a Group Head of Financial Planning & Analysis role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your financial modelling skills and understanding the latest trends in FP&A. Be ready to discuss how you've driven standardisation and automation in previous roles, as this is key for the position.

Tip Number 3

When you get that interview, don’t just talk about your experience—show them your passion for financial insight and decision-making. Share specific examples of how your analytical skills have led to successful outcomes in past roles.

Tip Number 4

Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Control Risks.

We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in London

Financial Planning & Analysis
Management Reporting
Variance Analysis
Budgeting & Forecasting
Financial Modelling
Power BI
AI Tools

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Group Head of Financial Planning & Analysis role. Highlight your experience in financial planning, reporting, and stakeholder management to catch our eye!

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've driven improvements in financial processes or reporting in previous roles. We love seeing the impact you've made!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be genuine, express your passion for FP&A, and explain how your background aligns with our needs. Make it personal and engaging!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Control Risks

Know Your Numbers

As a candidate for the Group Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, it's crucial to be well-versed in financial metrics and reporting. Brush up on your knowledge of variance analysis, budgeting cycles, and forecasting techniques. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these skills in previous roles to drive decision-making.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role involves leading a team, so highlight your experience in team development and leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on how you foster collaboration and drive performance. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the FP&A function effectively.

Master the Tech Tools

Familiarity with advanced systems like Power BI and AI tools is essential. Make sure you can discuss your experience with these technologies and how you've leveraged them for automation and reporting. Being able to articulate your technical skills will set you apart from other candidates.

Build Strong Relationships

Effective business partnering is key in this role. Think about how you've built relationships with senior stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've provided insights that improved decision-making and how you ensured leaders understood their financial data.