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 strong 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 career.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior FP&A experience and strong Excel skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with senior leadership.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA/CIPFA or equivalent). Duties will include – but are not limited to:
- 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.
Head of FP&A in London employer: James Andrews Recruitment Solutions
Contact Detail:
James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of FP&A in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know about opportunities in FP&A. A personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Head of FP&A role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills. Make sure you can confidently discuss budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. We want you to shine when they ask about your experience with modern financial tools!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership abilities! Be ready to talk about how you've led change and improved financial processes in previous roles. This is key for a senior position like Head of FP&A, so let your experience speak volumes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that perfect job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of FP&A 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 budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, as these are key skills we're looking for. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in previous roles.
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. Mention your qualifications and how they align with our needs, especially your experience in leading financial processes and managing stakeholder relationships.
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Since advanced Excel skills and familiarity with financial systems are crucial, make sure to mention any relevant tools or software you've used. If you’ve designed reporting packs or improved financial processes, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Andrews Recruitment Solutions
✨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 how you've led month-end closures or managed budgets.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Make sure to highlight your advanced Excel skills and familiarity with financial systems. Bring along any relevant reports or dashboards you've created to showcase your ability to design and develop reporting packs using modern financial tools.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've enhanced budget holders' financial understanding through training. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms, as you may need to do this with various stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Change Management
The school is looking for someone who can lead change and improve financial processes. Think of specific instances where you've successfully implemented changes in your previous roles and be ready to share these stories during the interview.