Financial Planning and Analysis Manager in London

The Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Manager is responsible for leading financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and business partnering activities across all legal entities. The role provides financial insight and analysis to support strategic and operational decision‑making, helping senior leaders understand organisational performance, financial sustainability and future resource requirements.

Working closely with budget holders and the wider Finance team, the FP&A Manager will drive a culture of accountability, evidence‑based decision‑making and continuous improvement through high‑quality financial information and analysis.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Finance Director, Financial Controller and Finance Team, Executive Management Committee, Budget Holders and Department Managers
• External: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Auditors, External advisers and stakeholders

Financial Planning & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process across all entities and departments, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and priorities.
• Coordinate reforecasting, rolling forecasts and medium‑term financial planning activities.
• Develop financial models, scenario analysis and business cases to support strategic decision‑making and long‑term sustainability.
• Monitor organisational performance against budgets and forecasts, identifying risks, opportunities and emerging trends.

Management Reporting & Performance Analysis

• Lead the production of management accounts, performance reports and financial dashboards for senior management, Board and Committees.
• Provide meaningful analysis, commentary and recommendations to support decision‑making.
• Develop and enhance KPI reporting across financial and operational activities.
• Undertake income, expenditure, profitability and trend analysis across cultural, commercial and funded activities.

Business Partnering

• Act as a trusted finance partner to budget holders and operational managers.
• Support departments in planning, forecasting and evaluating operational and commercial initiatives.
• Challenge assumptions, improve financial accountability and promote informed decision‑making.
• Deliver financial training, guidance and support to non‑finance colleagues where appropriate.

Payroll Analysis & Workforce Planning

• Lead payroll, establishment and workforce analysis in partnership with HR and the Financial Controller.
• Maintain workforce planning models, salary budgets and establishment reporting.
• Support annual pay review processes and workforce forecasting.
• Analyse staffing costs, vacancies, organisational structures and workforce trends to support strategic planning and financial sustainability.

Commercial & Strategic Analysis

• Support evaluation of commercial performance across retail, hospitality, venue hire and other income‑generating activities.
• Provide analysis to support grant funding, sponsorship, investment decisions and organisational initiatives.
• Develop ad hoc financial analysis to support strategic projects and Executive decision‑making.

Other duties

• Provide support and cover for the Financial Controller and other members of the Finance team as required.
• Contribute to cross‑functional projects and organisational initiatives to support effective financial management and organisational objectives.
• Support organisational planning, governance and reporting activities as required.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the role.
• Contribute to finance transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in FP&A, commercial finance, management accounting or business partnering roles.
• Experience leading budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience producing management accounts and performance reporting.
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Experience developing financial models and scenario analysis.
• Knowledge of workforce planning and payroll analysis.
• Experience working in a cross‑cultural environment.
• Demonstrate and role‑model Japan House London Values: Omotenashi, Integrity, Shared Passion, Cultivation, and Open‑ness.

Desirable:

• Experience within a multi‑entity organisation.
• Experience in a cultural, arts, public sector or not‑for‑profit environment.
• Experience with Xero or similar finance systems.

Work Environment

The role is based at Japan House London, Kensington High Street. JHL operates a flexible hybrid working model, with regular office attendance of at least 1 day per week, with the expectation to adjust in line with business and team requirements. Some duties may be carried out in Japan House London public spaces. Occasional attendance at events, meetings and activities outside normal working hours may be required. Normal working hours are 35 hours per week, with core hours from 10am to 3pm.

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance – up to 36 days per year, inclusive of public and bank holidays.
• Group life insurance scheme.
• Remote GP service.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Employee discount for the Japan House Shop and Stand Discount platform for high street shops.
• Access to perks and discounts local to Kensington High Street, London.
• Personal learning budget after 6 months’ service.

Japan House London is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce. You are encouraged to apply even if your experience doesn't precisely match the job description. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds and identities, and particularly welcome those from under‑represented groups.