At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis for a high-growth tech company, driving strategic decision-making.
- Company: Dynamic private-equity-backed tech business in Reading with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £105K plus bonus and long-term incentive plan.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to advance towards a CFO role in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming financial insights into actionable strategies for growth.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in private equity or finance, strong financial modelling skills, and SaaS metrics knowledge.
FD Capital is retained on an exciting search for a Head of FP&A to join a high-growth, private-equity-backed tech business based in the Reading area, operating a hybrid pattern of 2–3 days per week on-site. This is a newly created, first-in-seat role — the analytical engine of a small, senior finance team, reporting directly to the CFO.
The business is investing in its finance function to support decision-making at the pace it and its investors require. Management information isn't yet robust enough to give leadership a clear, real-time view of performance — and closing that gap is the heart of this role. You'll build the planning architecture, the ARR revenue intelligence infrastructure, and the board-level reporting that gives leadership and the PE backers a trusted view of performance.
It's a hands-on, high-breadth opportunity at the intersection of rigorous financial modelling, commercial insight, and strategic decision-making. Crucially, this is a role with two audiences: you'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with the internal finance and commercial teams and partner directly with the PE house — translating operational detail into investor-grade insight, and investor priorities into something the business can act on.
What you'll own:
- Annual budgeting and the monthly rolling forecast cycle, with commercially grounded variance analysis
- A best-in-class ARR data cube: cohort retention, expansion, churn, NRR/GRR, CAC payback, LTV:CAC
- Investor-grade, narrative-led board reporting packs and scenario/sensitivity models
- A step-change in MI quality — turning patchy reporting into a reliable, automated single source of truth
- RevOps and cross-functional finance partnering with Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success
- Integrated models for strategic decisions — new markets, pricing, M&A, major investment
- Embedding AI and automation across core FP&A processes
Responsibilities — What our client is looking for:
- 4+ years in private equity (Associate level), M&A / corporate finance advisory, or a high-calibre FP&A / finance business partnering role in a PE-backed or high-growth SaaS business
- Exceptional, institutional-standard financial modelling: three-statement, scenario, sensitivity, variance
- Strong grasp of SaaS metrics: ARR/MRR, NRR/GRR, churn cohorts, CAC payback, LTV:CAC
- A track record of turning complex data into insight that drives real decisions
- Someone equally comfortable working alongside an internal team day-to-day and holding their own in front of a PE board
- Strong quantitative academic background (Maths, Engineering, Physics, Economics or similar); a top-tier university is desirable but not essential — calibre and track record matter more
- ACA, CIMA or CFA (or studying towards) desirable, along with BI tooling and AI-in-finance experience
This is an ideal next step for someone coming out of PE, M&A advisory, or a top corporate finance environment who wants to see their models directly move the dial — on a clear trajectory toward CFO.
Job Benefits: £105K Basic plus 10% Bonus and LTIP
Head of FP&A (Full-Time) in Reading employer: FD Capital Recruitment
FD Capital offers an exceptional opportunity for the Head of FP&A role within a dynamic, private-equity-backed tech business in Reading. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, you will be at the forefront of shaping financial strategies that drive performance. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while the chance to work closely with both internal teams and investors ensures that your contributions are impactful and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of FP&A (Full-Time) in Reading
✨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 FD Capital Recruitment. 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 Head of FP&A (Full-Time) in Reading
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 FD Capital Recruitment.
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 FD Capital Recruitment'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 FD Capital Recruitment
✨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 FD Capital Recruitment.
✨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 FD Capital Recruitment 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 FD Capital Recruitment 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.
