At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, forecasting, and analysis for a dynamic education company.
- Company: PE-backed global provider in the higher education sector.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to develop a team and drive profitability in a multi-site organisation.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a significant impact on strategic decision-making.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with FP&A leadership experience and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A PE-backed company operating in the higher education sector is seeking a Head of FP&A. Our client is a diversified global provider in the education sector, part of a PE-backed international business.
Reporting to the COO, you will be a highly commercial Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) leading forecasting, budgeting, and performance insight across the UK business. Working as a strategic business partner to senior leadership and Business Units, you will combine strong financial discipline with deep commercial and operational understanding to inform decision-making, drive profitability, and support sustainable growth.
Leading a team of four, you will take ownership of all planning, forecasting and reporting, including the annual budgeting and rolling forecast processes, and build and maintain robust driver-based models as well as deliver concise monthly performance packs with variance analysis. You will lead the organisation’s annual five-year corporate planning process, integrating financial modelling with strategic horizon scanning, market intelligence, and operational context.
Business partnering is an integral part of the role, supporting non-finance in managing P&Ls and in forecasting and longer-term planning for their business units. You will offer commercial and strategic analysis, partnering with Business Units and Sales/Marketing teams to assess pricing, discount strategy, and product/mix optimisation by market and agent, and support contractual partner reporting and performance reviews.
Controls, data and systems will also be an important part of your remit, including improving data quality and championing best-in-class FP&A tools and processes.
The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant with FP&A leadership, ideally in a commercial multi-site organisation. You will have analytical rigour and attention to detail and experience of financial modelling, driver-based planning, and scenario analysis. We are looking for a team leader who can manage and develop the team and who has strong commercial acumen and excellent communication skills.
This is an exceptional opportunity that offers a real chance to enjoy a highly commercial role in a collaborative team. A full benefits package is on offer.
FP&A Manager (Planning in Abingdon employer: Hays
As a PE-backed leader in the higher education sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package that includes professional development opportunities, a supportive team culture, and the chance to make a significant impact on strategic financial decisions. Located in the UK, this role provides a unique opportunity to engage with diverse business units while driving profitability and sustainable growth in a dynamic industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FP&A Manager (Planning in Abingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an FP&A role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your financial modelling skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles. Show them you can combine financial discipline with commercial insight!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for opportunities that fit your skills and aspirations, especially in the higher education sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace FP&A Manager (Planning in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the FP&A role. Highlight your financial modelling and analytical skills, as well as any leadership experience you have. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of FP&A position. Share specific examples of how you've driven profitability and supported strategic decision-making in previous roles.
Showcase Your Team Leadership:Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership style and any successes you've had in developing others. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and manage a team effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our awesome team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Numbers
As an FP&A Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've improved forecasting or budgeting processes.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the higher education sector and the specific challenges it faces. Research the company’s position within the market and think about how you can contribute to their strategic goals. This will show that you're not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you've developed others in your past roles. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed a team through a challenging project or improved team performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario Analysis Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to conduct scenario analysis and driver-based planning. Be ready to walk through a past experience where you had to analyse different business scenarios and how your insights influenced strategic decisions.
