At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance transformation projects and drive strategic insights for clients.
- Company: Grant Thornton, a forward-thinking firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, tailored development, health benefits, and shopping discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values curiosity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance while making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in FP&A or finance transformation, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
At Grant Thornton we do things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance.
Grant Thornton UK's CFO Solutions practice helps ambitious businesses transform their finance functions — making them faster, smarter, and more strategically relevant to the organisations they serve. We work with CFOs, FDs, and their teams across a range of sectors to drive enterprise value through transformation of finance from a cost centre to drivers of competitive edge. We are growing our team and looking for an exceptional Director to develop and lead our Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) capability. This is a high-profile role at the intersection of finance strategy, process improvement, and cutting-edge technology — working alongside senior clients and shaping the future of our practice.
What You Will Do
- Lead end-to-end FP&A transformation programmes: from current-state diagnostic through to target operating model design and implementation
- Own EPM technology workstreams — overseeing solution design, vendor engagement, configuration, testing, and change management
- Advise clients on EPM platform selection across vendors including OneStream, Prophix, Board International and Anaplan
- Design and implement improved planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes — including driver-based models, rolling forecasts, and scenario planning frameworks
- Translate complex finance and technology challenges into clear, actionable roadmaps that clients can own and execute
- Manage delivery across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring quality, timeline, and budget commitments are met
Business Development
- Build and maintain a strong pipeline through a combination of existing client relationships, network referrals, and targeted outbound activity
- Author compelling proposals and lead pitches to CFO-level stakeholders, demonstrating a differentiated point of view on FP&A and EPM
- Develop and maintain relationships with EPM vendors (OneStream, Prophix, Board) as part of GT's Digital Alliances programme
Practice Development
- Contribute to the development of GT's FP&A and EPM service offerings — including methodologies, tools, accelerators, and thought leadership
- Build and mentor a high-performing team of Managers and Consultants, creating a culture of quality and continuous learning
- Represent Grant Thornton at external events, roundtables, and industry forums to grow our profile in the FP&A transformation market
- Collaborate across Grant Thornton service lines to bring integrated solutions to clients, including technology, people, and process expertise
Knowing you’re right for us
We’ve set ambitious growth targets for the firm, and we need the right people to help us achieve these. We’re looking for people who will bring ambition and drive to their role. In changing markets, we need to be able to work at pace and be adaptable to change and to be curious, asking questions of ourselves, each other and our clients to ensure we are delivering the services and quality we expect.
Joining us as a Director, the minimum criteria you’ll need is 8+ years in FP&A, finance transformation, or management consulting. It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box, we’ll help you develop along the way.
Essential
- Significant experience (typically 8+ years) in FP&A, finance transformation, or management consulting, with a track record of leading complex programmes
- Hands-on EPM implementation experience with one or more platforms: OneStream, Prophix, Board International or comparable
- Deep understanding of FP&A processes: planning cycles, budgeting and forecasting, management reporting, consolidated P&L, KPI frameworks
- Demonstrated ability to design future-state FP&A operating models — covering process, data, technology, and people dimensions
- Experience working at senior client levels — comfortable presenting to and building trust with CFOs, FDs, and Private Equity stakeholders
- Professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAS or equivalent) preferred, though not mandatory for the right candidate
- Strong commercial acumen — able to scope engagements, manage budgets, and identify revenue opportunities
Highly Desirable
- OneStream implementation experience (certification an advantage)
- Familiarity with EPM vendor ecosystems and partner/alliance models
- Experience in Private Equity‑backed environments or preparing finance functions for exit or IPO
- Exposure to broader finance technology landscape: ERP (SAP, Oracle, D365), data visualisation (Power BI, Tableau), and data warehouse concepts
- Sector depth in one or more of: Financial Services, Consumer, TMT, Infrastructure, or Public Sector
- Experience building or scaling a consulting practice area or service line
Knowing we’re right for you
The culture at Grant Thornton is what sets us apart, we’re known for our inclusive culture and creating environments where all our people can flourish. The things that set you apart, we value them, and this helps us all to perform at our best. Our values are the unwavering principles that shape our daily behaviours and decisions, alongside our drive to do the right thing. We’re looking for people who align with our values and are purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind.
Benefits
- Tailored development programmes and access to coaching
- Flexible bank holidays – allowing you to celebrate the days that are important to you
- Benefits including pension, life assurance and private medical, additional holiday purchasing and health benefits
- Any benefits giving you access to shopping discounts, gym memberships, financial advice
- And more.
How We Work
We have a trust‑based way of working, driven by responsible people who have the best interests of our firm and our clients at heart. Our how we work framework gives flexibility in where, how, and when we work to deliver the best results for our clients, whilst helping you keep a balance between work and life. Life is more than work, the things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles.
We’re looking for people who can help drive the business forward, who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Transformation Director in Leeds
✨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 Grant Thornton UK. 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 Finance Transformation Director in Leeds
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 Grant Thornton UK.
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 Grant Thornton UK'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 Grant Thornton UK
✨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 Grant Thornton UK.
✨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 Grant Thornton UK 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 Grant Thornton UK 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.
