At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our finance team to analyse data and support strategic decision-making.
- Company: DF Capital, a specialist bank with a focus on innovation and customer service.
- Benefits: Private medical insurance, generous leave, gym membership, and professional qualification support.
- Other info: Comprehensive training and mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in financial planning within a dynamic banking environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a quantitative discipline and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
We’re DF Capital – a specialist bank providing award-winning commercial finance, retail finance, and savings products to consumers and small businesses. Based in Manchester, we serve thousands of customers across the UK and into Europe, supporting their ambitions with tailored financial solutions. We help our customers realise their ambitions by doing things differently – combining the agility and innovation of a specialist lender with the security and service standards of a regulated bank.
In 2025, we launched DF Capital Retail Finance – a subsidiary of DF Capital Bank Limited – to offer specialist hire purchase solutions to retail customers. Our goal is simple: to do the absolute best for our customers, our communities, and each other.
Your new role:
We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical individual to join our finance team to support the continued growth of the bank. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in financial planning and analysis within a dynamic banking environment. You will support the Financial Planning & Analytics team in driving accurate financial insights, stakeholder reporting, and building models and forecasts to inform strategic decision-making. This opportunity would suit an ambitious professional around 1 to 2 years into their career who are looking to complete a professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CFA).
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Production of financial and commercial reporting to both internal committees (e.g. Board) as well as external investor reporting.
- Build and maintain financial models to forecast future performance, optimise financial returns and manage balance sheet risk.
- Collaborate with the wider business to identify trends, themes and actionable insights to improve commercial outcomes.
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Support the annual budgeting process and periodic reforecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Prepare budget templates and coordinate with departments to collect, validate and challenge key assumptions.
- Produce and monitor cost-centre performance against plan, working with department managers to manage cost, headcount and resources.
- Automation & Reporting Tools
- Contribute to the automation of routine (month-end) financial reporting tasks using tools like PowerQuery, PowerBI and Python.
- Partner with the Data and Management Information team to develop dashboards to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and support data-driven decision-making.
- Ad Hoc Analysis & Projects
- Participate in special projects and initiatives to improve financial processes, systems and governance.
- Provide analytical support for key strategic initiatives, new business cases and product launches.
Requirements
- Essential Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (2:1) from a strong university, ideally in a quantitative discipline.
- A level in Maths or Further Maths.
- Technical Skills
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets and draw meaningful conclusions and recommendations.
- Basic aptitude with spreadsheet financial modelling and forecasting techniques.
- Some exposure to data analysis in programming languages such as Python, R, or SAS.
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Ability to distil down analysis and present complex information clearly and simply to non-financial stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across different teams with different skills.
- Confidence in working within a flat leadership structure in a high-paced environment, being able to manage multiple deliverables concurrently.
- Desirable Attributes
- Interest in financial modelling and related accounting standards.
- Familiarity with how banks work and operate within the UK regulatory environment.
- Excited by embracing the latest artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies.
- Previous experience or internships in financial analysis for any type of organisation.
Development
- Comprehensive training and direct mentorship from a highly experienced FP&A manager.
- Financial and non-financial support with obtaining a relevant professional qualification.
- Opportunity to work with the wider finance team, with day-to-day interaction with senior leaders.
- Meaningful ability to influence the strategic financial decision-making processes of an exciting and growing business.
Benefits
- Private medical insurance for you and your partner/spouse.
- 10% Employer pension contribution.
- 30-day annual leave entitlement plus Bank/Public Holidays.
- Free Gym Membership.
- Discretionary annual bonus.
- Discretionary share awards.
- Life Assurance.
- Income Protection.
- Save As You Earn company share acquisition scheme.
- Tax efficient salary sacrifice scheme to obtain bicycles and electric vehicles.
- 4 days of paid Volunteering leave to support our local communities.
Financial Planning Analyst employer: DF Capital
At DF Capital, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Manchester that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our employees enjoy a range of benefits including private medical insurance, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to our mission of supporting customers and communities. With a focus on employee well-being and a commitment to doing the best for each other, DF Capital is the ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the financial sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Planning Analyst
✨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 DF Capital. 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 Financial Planning Analyst
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 DF Capital.
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 DF Capital'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 DF Capital
✨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 DF Capital.
✨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 DF Capital 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 DF Capital 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.
