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- Tasks: Lead financial planning, analysis, and reporting to drive performance and support strategic decisions.
- Company: Fast-growing private equity-backed group of independent schools in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, annual leave, pension, and central London location.
- Other info: Fast-paced culture with exposure to senior leadership and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and influence key strategic decisions in education.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with FP&A experience in a private equity environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a high-growth, private equity backed group of independent schools in London to recruit a commercially driven Financial Planning & Analysis Manager. This role is paying £60,000 - £70,000 per annum. Note, it is critical you have previously worked within a private equity backed environment.
This organisation is a fast-growing group of independent schools in the UK backed by private equity investors, focused on building a premium, multi-site education platform. It operates a portfolio of schools that typically combine strong academic performance with modern facilities and a broad co-curricular offering. The model is centred on acquiring, integrating, and improving schools while preserving their individual identities and educational standards.
From a strategic perspective, the business is driven by value creation typical of private equity ownership, growing pupil numbers, optimising fee structures, improving operational efficiency, and expanding through acquisitions. There is usually a strong emphasis on data, performance tracking, and central support functions to enhance outcomes across the group. Culturally, they are fast-paced and evolving, sitting somewhere between traditional education and corporate performance-driven businesses.
If you’re considering joining a business like this, the appeal is typically exposure to strategy, M&A activity, and board-level decision-making, but it also comes with the intensity and accountability that private equity ownership brings.
The Financial Planning & Analysis Manager is central to driving financial performance, supporting strategic decision-making, and delivering high-quality insights to senior leadership and investors. This position offers direct exposure to operational leaders, making it ideal for a high calibre finance leader seeking impact, visibility, and progression in a fast-paced PE environment.
- Lead the financial planning and analysis cycle, including annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and long-range planning.
- Partner with senior stakeholders to provide financial insights that support strategic decision-making.
- Develop and maintain financial models to evaluate business performance, risks, and opportunities.
- Deliver timely and accurate management reporting, including variance analysis and key performance indicators.
- Analyse financial results, identify trends, and provide actionable recommendations to improve performance.
- Support month-end and year-end processes, working closely with accounting teams.
- Drive improvements in reporting processes, tools, and data quality to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
- Prepare presentations and reports for executive leadership and board-level discussions.
- Monitor costs, revenues, and profitability across departments or business units.
- Ensure financial plans align with organisational goals and market conditions.
Qualifications:
- Qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CGMA/CIMA) or equivalent.
- It is essential you have worked in a private equity backed organisation.
- Proven experience in FP&A, financial modelling, or commercial finance roles.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
- Advanced Excel skills, experience with financial systems and reporting tools is advantageous.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial information to non-finance stakeholders.
- Strong business partnering experience and stakeholder management skills.
- High attention to detail with a proactive and problem-solving mindset.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
- Commercially aware with a strategic mindset.
- Experience in process improvement or transformation initiatives is a plus.
Benefits:
- £60,000 - £70,000 per annum.
- Hybrid working.
- Annual leave package.
- Pension.
- Central London offices close to transport links.
Why Join?
- Key role in a high-growth PE-backed business.
- Exposure to senior leadership and investors.
- Opportunity to influence strategic decisions.
- Dynamic and entrepreneurial culture.
Financial Planning & Analysis Manager employer: EA FIRST LTD
Contact Detail:
EA FIRST LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Planning & Analysis Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the private equity space. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni from your school or previous workplaces. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in FP&A and financial modelling. Bring examples of how you've driven performance improvements in past roles. We want to see that you can bring value to their fast-paced environment!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Research the company thoroughly before your interview. Understand their business model, recent acquisitions, and how they measure success. We need to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in their mission and ready to contribute to their growth.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have insider tips and resources that can help you stand out in the process. Let’s get you that Financial Planning & Analysis Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Planning & Analysis Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in private equity backed environments. We want to see how your skills align with the fast-paced, performance-driven culture of our organisation.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong analytical skills and any experience you have with financial modelling. We’re looking for someone who can interpret complex data and provide actionable insights, so don’t hold back!
Communicate Clearly: Your written application should reflect your excellent communication skills. Remember, you’ll be presenting financial information to non-finance stakeholders, so clarity is key. Keep it concise and impactful!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at EA FIRST LTD
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial modelling and analysis skills. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles, especially in a private equity backed environment.
✨Understand the Business Model
Familiarise yourself with the unique aspects of the education sector, particularly how private equity influences operational strategies. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals of value creation and performance tracking.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be presenting financial insights to non-finance stakeholders, practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated financial information to senior leadership or board members.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic mindset. Prepare to discuss how you've handled challenges in fast-paced environments, particularly around budgeting, forecasting, and process improvements.