At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, forecasting, and performance analysis in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join HSO, a global leader in Microsoft business transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, flexible working, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Shape financial performance and drive impactful decision-making with senior leadership.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in FP&A, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
HSO is a leading global Microsoft partner specialising in business transformation powered by the Microsoft Cloud. With deep expertise across Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Azure, and the Microsoft Power Platform, we help organisations modernise operations, unlock data‑driven insights, and embrace AI‑led innovation. Founded in 1987, HSO operates globally across Europe, North America, and Asia, with over 2,800 employees. As a member of Microsoft’s Inner Circle, we deliver high‑impact transformation programmes across industries, combining deep technical expertise with a pragmatic, results‑driven approach. With continued growth, both organic and through acquisition, we are strengthening our regional finance capability. This is a key role at the heart of driving financial performance and supporting strategic decision‑making.
At HSO, our people are at the centre of everything we do. We foster a culture built on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. You’ll be joining a team that:
- Operates in a fast‑growing, international environment
- Works closely with senior leadership to shape business performance
- Invests in development, progression, and continuous learning
- Plays a key role in finance transformation and systems evolution
As Head of FP&A, you will be responsible for financial planning, forecasting, and performance analysis across your region. Acting as a strategic business partner to the regional leadership team, you will provide insight into financial performance, support decision‑making, and drive profitability. This role sits at the intersection of Finance, Operations, and Delivery in a project‑based consulting environment, with a strong focus on project financials, utilisation, and margin performance. You will also play an important role in aligning regional processes with Group Finance and supporting ongoing transformation initiatives, including the rollout of Dynamics 365 Finance.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead regional budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
- Own and manage the regional financial business plan in collaboration with leadership
- Deliver accurate, insightful financial reporting and performance analysis
- Monitor and analyse project financials, including revenue, cost, utilisation, and margins
- Partner with Service Line Leads and Project Managers to challenge assumptions and improve performance
- Provide weekly and monthly insight into performance vs budget and forecast
- Conduct ad‑hoc analysis on project profitability, cost drivers, and headcount trends
- Act as a trusted business partner to the regional leadership team
- Identify risks and opportunities, proactively escalating and driving action
- Support month‑end close with variance analysis and performance commentary
- Collaborate with HR, Resource Management, and Operations to align capacity and financial planning
- Contribute to strategic decision‑making and business planning
- Drive improvements in financial processes, systems, and reporting
- Support alignment with Group Finance, including participation in global initiatives and best practice adoption
What we’re looking for:
Essential:- Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in FP&A, controlling, or financial analysis
- Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting
- Experience in a project‑based or professional services environment
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Ability to influence and partner with senior stakeholders
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Strong understanding of financial drivers in a services business (utilisation, revenue, margin)
- Experience in an international or matrix organisation
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance
- Exposure to finance transformation or systems implementation
- Experience working within a Microsoft partner or IT consultancy environment
- Commercially aware and results‑driven
- Strong business partnering capability
- Analytical and detail‑oriented
- Proactive and able to challenge constructively
- Organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Collaborative and team‑focused
- Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, evolving environment
Location: UK‑based (remote with travel to Manchester office and other locations as required)
HSO offers a competitive salary and benefits package, along with:
- Opportunities for career progression within a global organisation
- Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision‑making
- Ongoing development and training
- Flexible working environment
- A collaborative and supportive culture
Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in Manchester employer: HSO Enterprise Solutions GmbH
HSO is an exceptional employer that prioritises its people, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture where employees are empowered to drive financial performance and support strategic decision-making. With a commitment to continuous learning and development, HSO offers unique opportunities for career progression within a global organisation, all while providing a flexible working environment that encourages work-life balance. Joining HSO means being part of a dynamic team at the forefront of business transformation powered by Microsoft technologies.
Contact Details:
HSO Enterprise Solutions GmbH Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and consulting sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching HSO and its culture. Understand their approach to financial planning and analysis, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ongoing transformation initiatives.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills during interviews. Bring examples of how you've improved financial processes or driven profitability in previous roles. Use data to back up your claims and demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of FP&A role. Highlight your experience in financial planning, budgeting, and analysis, especially in a project-based environment. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance if you have it!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills. We love candidates who can provide insights into financial performance and drive profitability, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at HSO Enterprise Solutions GmbH
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key financial concepts like budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in previous roles to drive profitability and support decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role is all about being a strategic business partner. Prepare examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders in the past. Think about times when your insights led to significant business decisions or improvements in financial processes. Highlight your ability to challenge assumptions and drive action.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Dynamics 365
Since HSO is rolling out Dynamics 365 Finance, it’s crucial to show your familiarity with this system. If you have experience with it, share specific examples. If not, do some research on its functionalities and how it can enhance financial planning and analysis. This will show your proactive approach to learning and adapting.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, especially when working with Service Line Leads and Project Managers. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully partnered with different teams in the past. Highlight your communication skills and your ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a collaborative spirit.
