Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis, ensuring accurate management accounts and budget forecasts.
- Company: Historic high-performing school in South-West London with a collaborative finance team.
- Benefits: Flexible pay rates, hybrid working, and potential for permanent role with competitive salary.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial processes in an educational environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior FP&A experience and strong Excel skills.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic setting.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 65000 £ per year.
Exciting Opportunity: Education – Head of FP&A
We are currently working in partnership with a historic, high performing school based in South-West London, who have created a brand new Head of FP&A role within their Finance department.
They are ideally looking to hire on an initial 2 month rolling basis, with the view to possibly take someone on permanently in a few months' time. The permanent salary is currently up to around £65,000, but for the temporary role they can be somewhat flexible (likely to be up to around £550 per day umbrella, depending on experience). The role is full time, Monday – Friday and offers a couple of days per week working from home.
Requirements
The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA/CIPFA or equivalent).
Duties
- Leading the month-end closure process to ensure accurate and timely management accounts
- Preparing monthly payroll cost reconciliations and full year pay forecasts
- Producing management accounts with detailed variance analysis and commentary
- Designing and developing reporting packs using modern financial tools and technology
- Monitoring and reporting on capital projects and large capex spend
- Managing the annual budgeting and forecasting process for designated budget holders
- Supporting the Finance Director in consolidating the school-wide budget and long-term financial forecasts
- Maintaining and updating cost centre approval workflows to reflect organisational changes
- Enhancing budget holders' financial understanding through training and ongoing support
- Acting as the primary finance contact for assigned departments, providing financial guidance
- Undertaking financial analysis and reporting for strategic initiatives as required
- Supporting the Finance Director and senior leadership team with special projects
- Collaborating with other finance department members on financial accounting tasks
- Assisting with year-end processes and preparation of financial statements
- Responding to audit queries and preparing supporting documentation
Experience required
- Qualified accountant – essential
- Proven experience in a senior FP&A role
- Strong technical skills in budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis
- Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with financial systems and reporting tools
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to lead change and improve financial processes
Working hours
40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, Hybrid working – 2 days per week working from home.
Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.
Incentives
Don't forget our recommendation scheme: Recommend a friend or colleague to us and receive £50 each once they have completed 20 days in a role via James Andrews! Terms and conditions apply, contact us for details.
Head of Financial Planning Analysis in London employer: James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning Analysis in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Ace the Interview
When you land that interview, make sure to prepare thoroughly. Research the school’s financial goals and challenges, and think about how your skills can help them succeed. Practice common interview questions and come armed with examples of your past achievements in FP&A.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Don’t just talk about your qualifications; show them! Bring along a portfolio of your work, including reports you've created or projects you've led. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We’ve got your back! Make sure to apply for the Head of FP&A role through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning Analysis in London
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, analysis, and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in FP&A that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires strong technical skills, make sure to mention your proficiency in budgeting, forecasting, and advanced Excel. We love seeing candidates who are confident with financial systems and reporting tools!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of FP&A, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading the month-end closure process and managing budget holders. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've led teams or projects, highlighting your ability to drive change and improve financial processes.
✨Master the Tech Tools
Familiarise yourself with modern financial tools and reporting systems. If you have experience with specific software, mention it during the interview. Discuss how you've leveraged technology to enhance reporting packs or streamline financial processes.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication is key for this position. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to support budget holders in understanding their finances. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
