At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and control, building a finance function from scratch.
- Company: Join FinAgra, revolutionising agriculture in emerging markets with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and the chance to shape a new finance team.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant travel and hands-on field involvement.
- Why this job: Be the CEO's right hand and make impactful decisions from day one.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in finance roles, strong modelling skills, and agribusiness experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Reports to: CEO (transitioning to Global Corporate CFO once that role is established)
Team: You, with functional management of local country accountants and finance officers (when hired) — building the central function from scratch
About FinAgra: FinAgra is building a new model for commercial agriculture in emerging markets. We combine financing, agronomy, technology, and farm operations to turn underperforming farmland into professionally managed, productive farming businesses.
About the Role: We're looking for a Head of Financial Planning & Control who wants to own this function end to end. You'll act as the CEO's right hand across finance and field operations, with a direct line into executive decisions from day one. This is a role for someone who thrives on autonomy and wants to build something real from the ground up.
What you'll own
- Financial Planning, Business Cases & Project Economics
- Build business cases and economic models for new projects, regions, and capital investments — feasibility, ROI/IRR, payback, sensitivity analysis;
- Partner with commercial and operations leads to pressure-test project economics before capital is committed;
- Own a finance-led forecasting process for crop-cycle-driven operational performance, and connect it to actuals;
- Prepare monthly performance reviews that link financial results to the operational drivers behind them;
- Feed business case rigor into market-entry decisions, including LATAM and SEA feasibility work from 2027.
- Treasury & Cash Management (shared with the in-house Treasurer)
- Weekly cash positioning and 13-week rolling forecasts per country, coordinated with the Treasurer;
- Payment execution (inputs, leases, mechanisation, logistics) and working capital planning aligned to crop-cycle seasonality;
- USD/KES and USD/INR FX management — rate monitoring, timing, loss minimisation, in partnership with the Treasurer;
- Bank relationship management, account operations, and signatory duties held jointly with the Treasurer.
- Controls & Back Office
- Enforcement of the approval matrix across regional spend;
- Budget compliance;
- Internal control testing via transaction sampling;
- Back office systems and workflow design;
- Vendor onboarding and contract compliance;
- ERPNext rollout across treasury, procurement, and controls modules;
- Management of local accountants in each country — reviewing their work, setting standards, and coaching for quality and consistency;
- Ownership of the company-wide accounting policy.
- Authority - TBC by the Leadership
- Payment release authority up to agreed thresholds;
- Authority to halt non-compliant spend pending CEO review;
- Authorised bank signatory on designated accounts;
- Authority to represent the company to banks, regulators, and partners.
What you'll bring
- 5+ years in FP&A, controlling, treasury, or performance roles — ideally a mix, not just one;
- Ability to build a financial/investment model from a blank sheet;
- Comfort being the sole finance person in the building, with full ownership of the work;
- Agribusiness, emerging-market, or project-finance-style economics experience is a strong plus;
- Willingness to travel and be hands-on in the field;
- Professional qualification (ACCA/CPA/CFA) is a plus, if the track record speaks for itself.
Mobility up to 60–80 days/year (TBC), primarily Kenya and India, LATAM and SEA from 2027. Travel per the T&E policy.
Head of Financial Planning & Control employer: FinAgra
FinAgra is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the agricultural sector. With a strong focus on employee autonomy and growth, you will have the opportunity to build a finance function from the ground up while collaborating closely with executive leadership. Our dynamic work culture fosters innovation and offers unique advantages such as hands-on field experience and the chance to contribute to sustainable farming practices in emerging markets.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning & Control
✨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 FinAgra. 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 Financial Planning & Control
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 FinAgra.
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 FinAgra'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 FinAgra
✨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 FinAgra.
✨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 FinAgra 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 FinAgra 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.
