At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a brand-new FP&A function from the ground up.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven search firm focused on impactful recruitment.
- Benefits: Career-defining role with unmatched scope, influence, and board exposure.
- Other info: Access to mentoring, career guidance, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a thriving business and redefine your career.
- Qualifications: ACA/ACCA/CMA qualified with experience in Commercial Finance or FP&A.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
A Once-in-a-Career Opportunity to Build What Others Only Inherit
THE STORY
Imagine stepping into a business that has thrived for decades - yet has never had a true FP&A engine. No inherited team. No legacy processes to untangle. No outdated reporting pack that everyone hates. Just a blank canvas, a business hungry for insight, and a CFO who wants a partner - not a passenger. This is not a role you walk into. This is a role you create.
THE MOMENT THE BUSINESS IS IN
The company stands on the edge of a new chapter - disciplined growth, sharper project selection, higher margins, and a renewed commitment to data-driven decision-making. Across multiple regions and sectors, operational leaders are asking the same thing: “Where is FP&A? We need it.” They just don’t know what great looks like… That’s where you come in.
WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE RARE
This isn’t “improve what exists.” This is “build what’s never been built.” You will be the architect - of the data, the models, the rhythms, the structure, the culture, and the insight that will reshape how an entire organisation thinks, plans, and decides. Roles like this appear only a handful of times in a career.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU (THE REAL STORY)
- A Career-Defining Greenfield Build - You’ll be able to say - and truly mean it: “I built FP&A from scratch: the team, the systems, the forecasting engine, the analytics layer, and the decision-making culture.” You won’t just report numbers. You’ll shape how the business evaluates every project, manages every pound, and drives every margin.
- A Dual Career Path (Two Routes, Both Exceptional) - This role has been designed with intention - and ambition. Path 1: Deep Specialist → Director. Become the company’s technical powerhouse - the person who sets the standard for modelling, forecasting, analytics and commercial insight. OR… Path 2: Commercial Leader → CFO Succession. The CFO is a transformation leader by design: she builds, fixes, elevates… and moves on. She has been clear that this role is her natural successor when the time is right.
- Unmatched Scope and Influence - Across multiple regions and sectors, you’ll be embedded with operational and commercial leaders who will pull you in — not wait for you to push your way in. You’ll shape pipeline quality, project performance, margin protection, cash discipline, and bid governance.
- Build the Technical Engine That Powers the Business - If you love the craft — the data, the modelling, the architecture, the analytics - this is your playground. You will design and implement: Forecasting and planning frameworks, The reporting engine and KPIs, Data models and dashboards, Governance around bids, risks and performance, A scalable hub-and-spoke FP&A team. This is technical leadership in the truest sense - building the machine before you drive it.
- Real Transformation, Not Cosmetic Change - This is not a business looking for “slightly better reporting.” This is a business ready for a leap - in thinking, capability and performance. You’ll challenge assumptions, modernise ways of working, streamline decision-making, and embed a culture where insight drives action.
- Visibility at the Highest Level - Board exposure isn’t a later-career hope. It’s built into the job on day one. You’ll be owning the narrative, shaping decisions, and providing the clarity senior leadership have been missing.
WHO THIS ROLE IS PERFECT FOR
Someone who…
- Is ACA/ACCA/CMA qualified
- Experience in Commercial Finance / FP&A roles
- Thrives when given freedom and responsibility
- Loves building and solving, not maintaining and polishing
- Wants challenge, pace, influence and visibility
- Has the capability and credibility to be deputy to the CFO - or become the CFO
- Is technically sharp, commercially minded, analytically strong, and operationally engaged
If you want to be the heartbeat of performance - this is the seat.
WHAT THIS ROLE IS NOT
- Reporting month-end numbers
- Tweaking last year’s budget template
- Sitting quietly in finance
- A sideways move
- Maintenance mode
This is a step-change role - for you and for the business.
WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH
You’ll be partnering daily with:
- Regional MDs
- Commercial Directors
- Project teams
- Leadership and the Board
You will have impact in the regions, influence at HQ, and visibility everywhere.
WHY NOW?
Because the business is ready. The CFO is ready. The regions are asking for you before they even know your name. And the blank page is waiting for its architect.
THE QUESTION IS…
Do you want to build something lasting? Do you want to become indispensable across an entire organisation? Do you want the kind of role that redefines what your CV looks like forever? If the answer is yes - then this is your moment.
We’re a purpose-driven search firm built on one belief: recruitment should leave people and communities better than we found them. Alongside expert hiring support, we offer free mentoring access, career guidance, and wellbeing support throughout your journey. We also reinvest 3% of our profits into mental health and social impact initiatives - including MHFA training, wellbeing workshops, and youth outreach. With IFF Talent, you’re not just applying for a role. You’re joining a recruitment experience designed to create real, lasting impact.
Head of FP&A | Build a function from scratch in Leeds employer: Ingham Frankland Fide
As a Group Financial Controller in a dynamic and ambitious organisation, you will be part of a vibrant work culture that values precision and innovation. With a clear path for professional growth and the opportunity to influence the financial landscape of a company poised for significant expansion, this role offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact. Enjoy competitive remuneration and the satisfaction of contributing to a finance function that prioritises accuracy and governance in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of FP&A | Build a function from scratch in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Ingham Frankland Fide. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Ingham Frankland Fide.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Ingham Frankland Fide. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of FP&A | Build a function from scratch in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Ingham Frankland Fide and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Ingham Frankland Fide how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ingham Frankland Fide
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Ingham Frankland Fide.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Ingham Frankland Fide's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
