At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, analysis, and reporting to drive strategic decisions.
- Company: High-growth, private equity backed group of independent schools in London.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, annual leave, pension, and central London office perks.
- Other info: Fast-paced culture with opportunities for professional growth and exposure to leadership.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and influence key financial strategies 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 pays £60,000 - £70,000 per annum. It is critical to have previously worked within a private equity backed environment. The group focuses on building a premium, multi‑site education platform, operating a portfolio of schools that combine strong academic performance with modern facilities and broad co‑curriculums. The business model centres on acquiring, integrating, and improving schools while preserving their identities and standards. Value creation typical of private equity ownership drives growth, with increasing pupil numbers, optimised fee structures, operational efficiency, and expansion through acquisitions. The environment is fast‑paced and evolving, bridging traditional education and corporate performance‑driven business.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- Essential experience in a private equity backed organisation.
- Proven experience in FP&A, financial modelling, or commercial finance roles.
- Strong analytical skills and 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
- 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
Join a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment as a Financial Planning & Analysis Manager with a high-growth, private equity backed group of independent schools in London. Enjoy the benefits of hybrid working, an attractive annual leave package, and a pension scheme while being at the forefront of strategic decision-making that shapes the future of education. With opportunities for professional growth and direct exposure to senior leadership, this role offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced and evolving sector.
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 finance and education sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals already working in FP&A roles, especially in private equity backed firms. This is a great way to learn about the company culture and expectations while also making a lasting impression. Plus, it could lead to job referrals down the line!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers, be ready to discuss your financial modelling and analytical skills. Bring examples of your work or case studies that demonstrate how you've driven improvements in previous roles. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by our recruitment team. Let’s land that dream job together!
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 role of Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background in FP&A can contribute to our mission. Keep it engaging and make it personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of financial analysis, be sure to include examples of how you've used your analytical skills in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can interpret complex data and provide actionable insights, so let us know how you’ve done that before!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at EA First
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial modelling skills and be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience. They’ll want to see how you’ve used data to drive decisions, so prepare to talk about key performance indicators and any variance analysis you've conducted.
✨Understand the Private Equity Landscape
Since this role is within a private equity backed environment, it’s crucial to understand how PE firms operate. Familiarise yourself with their business model, especially around value creation and operational efficiency. This will show that you’re not just a numbers person but also understand the strategic side of the business.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
You’ll be partnering with senior stakeholders, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully communicated complex financial information to non-finance colleagues in the past. Think of examples where your insights led to strategic decisions or improvements.
✨Be Ready for Process Improvement Discussions
This role involves driving improvements in reporting processes and tools. Come equipped with ideas or examples of how you’ve enhanced efficiency in previous roles. Highlight your proactive mindset and problem-solving abilities to demonstrate that you can add value from day one.
