FP&A Manager

Global University Systems (GUS) owns and operates one of the world’s most diverse networks of higher education institutions, with over 60,000 students in six countries and a global presence online. Leading UK-based institutions such as The University of Law, London School of Business and Finance (LSBF), Arden University, University Canada West, the University of Applied Sciences Europe and the Berlin-based GISMA Business School are part of the Group, which owns six universities and a wide network of language, business, and professional Schools. As well as the UK and Germany, the group operates institutions in Canada, Ireland, Israel, and Singapore.

Position: FP&A Manager

Role Type: Permanent

Location: London (hybrid)

Director Reports: None (dotted line to Management Accountant)

Competitive Salary

Reporting into the Finance Director within growing Finance function, this is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in planning and analysis of activities across all entities within Colleges Division. Core responsibilities include budgeting and forecasting, business partnering and performance analysis, implementing and maintaining the dashboard with key KPIs, supporting the annual planning process and monthly management reporting. This is a high-profile role which will interact with senior management teams within the head office and with colleagues in the subsidiary finance teams. It is an ideal role for an ambitious, recently qualified accountant looking to build on their previous experience in a relevant role.

Requirements:

• Key Activities & Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Finance Director:

• Budgeting and Forecasting

• Lead budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning processes
• Partner with stakeholders across the head office to understand budget variances and trends
• Support stakeholders in their understanding of finance priorities to ensure risks and opportunities in the delivery of their budget are well managed
• Working with senior management to understand and fix budget ‘fails’ on the system
• Scenario building to account for risks and assess their impact to inform and support management decisions

• FP&A Activities

• Support the collection and analysis of data as required to support the FP&A team activities.
• Develop meaningful and insight business metrics and work with business partners to assist decision making process
• Implementation and regular reporting on KPIs (maintenance of KPI dashboard for each brand)
• Reconciliation and monthly reporting on student numbers across all entities in Colleges Division
• Continuously develop and improve existing processes and reports
• Directs performance in the company through selecting and measuring financial and non-financial performance indicators.
• Collaborates on all tactical and organisational areas involved with budgeting, control, capital investments, resource management and people.
• Consults on design and use of the latest technology and information systems to evolve decision making and organisational performance.
• Ad-hoc analysis and projects as required

• Stakeholder relationship management

• Develops positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicates and gains commitment from internal and external stakeholders.
• Uses emerging technologies to collaborate and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Applies professional and ethical judgement when engaging with stakeholders.
• Aligns organisational strategic objectives with stakeholders’ needs and manages expectations.

• Strategy and innovation

• Use business and commercial acumen awareness to deliver business objectives.
• Can suggest appropriate strategic options where sustainable plans and objectives can be developed.
• Evaluates, justifies, and puts strategic options in place.
• Uses various innovative methods to implement strategy and manage change.

• Cashflow Reporting

• Weekly Cashflow reporting and forecasting

Qualifications/Education

• Essential

• Strong Academics
• Recently qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Knowledge & Skills

• Essential

• Exceptional Analytical skills and strong commercial acumen
• Highly organized, with the ability to take the initiative and prioritise work to meet deadlines; takes responsibility for tasks and their delivery
• Effective and proactive communicator with the ability to build relationships across the business
• Track record of delivery against tight timeframes in a fast-paced environment
• Skilled at managing large, complex data sets
• Enthusiastic, ambitious, and a natural team player

Experience

• Essential

• Experience of working as Management Accountant or similar for over 7 years.
• Advanced Excel Skills

• Desirable

• Experience of Power BI
• Experience of Excel Macros

What we offer our Colleagues:

• 20 days annual leave
• Pension 5% personal contribution & 3% Company contribution
• Season Ticket Loan (T&C's apply)
• Vision Express Eye Care Vouchers
• Training & Development opportunities (T&C's apply)
• Staff Discount Scheme – via My Rewards Hub, from various retailers – Fashion, Grocery, Health & Beauty, Travel, Automotive, Furniture, Dining, Sports and Leisure, Electronics etc
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Refer a friend scheme for staff members (T&Cs apply).
• Social events on campus and through GUS Social Committee "GOSH - GUS on Staff Happiness".

Why join us?

We offer a competitive annual leave entitlement, a hybrid working policy which allows a healthy work-life balance, competitive pay & employee benefits, varied learning and development opportunities and a wide range of benefits that you can tailor to suit your lifestyle.

Please note: Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. Only applicants shortlisted for interview will be contacted. We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose qualifications meet our requirements. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you if you are selected to continue for the next stage of the recruitment process. We wish you every success.

Global University Systems is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.