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)
Desirable:
- 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
Key competencies:
- 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 for a Cloud Solutions Sales Executive, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, HSO provides opportunities to engage with senior stakeholders and shape impactful cloud solutions, all while being part of a forward-thinking team in a thriving market. The company's commitment to mentorship and leadership development ensures that employees can advance their careers while contributing to meaningful projects in the rapidly evolving cloud landscape.
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
✨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 HSO Enterprise Solutions GmbH. 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 Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in Manchester
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 HSO Enterprise Solutions GmbH.
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 HSO Enterprise Solutions GmbH'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 HSO Enterprise Solutions GmbH
✨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 HSO Enterprise Solutions GmbH.
✨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 HSO Enterprise Solutions GmbH 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 HSO Enterprise Solutions GmbH 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.
