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- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis, providing insights for strategic decisions.
- Company: High-growth, private equity backed group of independent schools in London.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, annual leave, pension, and central London office.
- Other info: Fast-paced culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and influence key strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with FP&A experience in a private equity environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 ÂŁ 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
Contact Detail:
EA First 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 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 Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and its financial performance. Be ready to discuss how your experience in private equity can drive value creation. Practice common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your analytical skills and business acumen.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Create a portfolio that highlights your financial models, reports, and any process improvements you've implemented. This will give you an edge over other candidates by demonstrating your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨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 hiring managers. 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 the Financial Planning & Analysis Manager role. Highlight your experience in private equity backed environments and showcase your financial modelling skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for joining our dynamic team.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight your strong analytical skills. Provide examples of how you've interpreted complex financial data in the past and how it led to actionable recommendations. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and drive improvements!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 previous roles. They’ll want to see how you’ve used data to drive decisions, so prepare to talk about your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
✨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 value creation strategies and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to optimising fee structures and improving operational efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
This position requires strong business partnering abilities. Think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated with senior stakeholders to provide financial insights. Be ready to explain how you’ve communicated complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
✨Prepare for Fast-Paced Questions
Given the dynamic nature of the role, expect questions that assess your ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Have examples ready that demonstrate your proactive problem-solving mindset and how you’ve driven process improvements in previous positions.