At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, budgeting, and analysis to drive business performance.
- Company: Dynamic finance team in Birmingham with a focus on collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Influence strategic decisions and enhance financial performance in a high-profile role.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and experience in financial analysis required.
Location: Birmingham
Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Working arrangement: Hybrid working available
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Financial Planning Analysis (FP&A) Manager to join our finance team in Birmingham. This is a high-profile role offering the opportunity to influence business performance through insightful financial analysis, robust planning and effective business partnering. Working closely with senior leaders and operational stakeholders, you will translate complex financial information into clear, actionable recommendations that support strategic decision-making. The successful candidate will combine strong technical and analytical capabilities with excellent commercial awareness and communication skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
- Preparing accurate monthly management reporting, including performance analysis and commentary.
- Producing detailed variance analysis against budget, forecast and prior-year results.
- Developing financial models to support strategic initiatives, investment decisions and scenario planning.
- Providing clear and commercially relevant insights to senior management.
- Acting as a trusted finance business partner to operational and commercial teams.
- Identifying financial risks and opportunities and recommending appropriate actions.
- Developing and monitoring key performance indicators and business performance dashboards.
- Supporting the preparation of Board and executive reporting materials.
- Improving the quality, accuracy and efficiency of financial planning and reporting processes.
- Challenging business assumptions constructively and supporting improved financial accountability.
- Managing, coaching and developing members of the FP&A team, where applicable.
- Supporting ad hoc commercial analysis, transformation projects and other strategic initiatives.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will ideally possess:
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification, such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA, or equivalent.
- Significant experience in financial planning and analysis, commercial finance or a related role.
- Strong budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and financial-modelling skills.
- The ability to interpret complex financial data and communicate clear conclusions.
- Demonstrable experience of partnering with senior stakeholders and non-finance teams.
- Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of the key drivers of business performance.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with financial reporting or planning systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- A proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach.
- The confidence to challenge assumptions and influence decision-making constructively.
- Previous people-management or team-development experience would be advantageous.
What We Offer
The successful candidate will receive:
- A competitive base salary of up to £80,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
- A comprehensive benefits package.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.
- A collaborative and supportive working environment.
- The opportunity to play a central role in improving financial and commercial performance.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV, together with a brief covering statement outlining your relevant experience and suitability for the position. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and early application is encouraged.
FP&A Manager employer: Four Squared
At Ballards, we pride ourselves on being more than just accountants; we are trusted business advisers dedicated to fostering growth and transformation for our clients. As a NetSuite Consultant in our Birmingham office, you will enjoy a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and a supportive culture that prioritises professional development and career progression. Join us to lead impactful ERP projects while collaborating with a diverse range of ambitious clients in a rapidly expanding technology consulting practice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FP&A Manager
✨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 Four Squared. 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 FP&A Manager
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 Four Squared.
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 Four Squared'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 Four Squared
✨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 Four Squared.
✨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 Four Squared 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 Four Squared 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.
