At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Group's financial performance cycle and strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join M+C Saatchi Group, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, private healthcare, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and participation in Employee Led Networks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Must have strong FP&A experience and commercial judgement.
The predicted salary is between 67500 - 82500 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint a commercially minded and forward-looking Head of FP&A to own the Group's end-to-end financial performance cycle, connecting monthly reporting and actual performance with forecasting, Budget, long-range planning and strategic scenarios business partnering.
The role reports directly to the Group Commercial Finance Director., The Head of FP&A will be the senior integrator across actual performance, expected outturn and strategic outlook.
The role will ensure that reported results are accurate and clearly explained, then use commercial MI and leading indicators provided through the Commercial Finance Lead to determine what performance means for the future, what choices are available and what action is required.
- Group reporting and performance narrative | 30%
- Own the monthly Group reporting calendar, dependencies, submissions, reviews and sign-off process.
- Lead flash reporting, trading results, management reporting, Board performance materials and agreed investor-relations analysis.
- Create one consistent performance narrative across actuals, prior year, forecast, Budget, risks and opportunities.
- Coordinate and challenge Regional and Business Unit commentary.
- Ensure outputs across P&L, balance sheet, cash flow and working capital are reconciled, controlled, accurate and delivered to timetable.
- Ensure actual performance flows directly into expected outturn, forecast and management interventions.
- Lead automation and simplification of recurring Group reporting.
- Forecasting, Budget and LRP | 35%
- Own the end-to-end Group forecast, Budget and long-range planning processes.
- Develop an independent Group outlook using client, pipeline, pricing, utilisation, capacity, margin, cash and other commercial drivers.
- Lead scenario and sensitivity analysis across revenue, cost, headcount, investment, working capital and cash.
- Own the Group risks and opportunities view.
- Lead Regional and BU forecast challenge, Group calibration, approval and lock.
- Drive forecast accuracy, planning discipline and accountability.
- Strategic performance and decision support | 20%
- Translate financial and commercial information into implications, choices and recommendations for senior management.
- Lead strategic analysis supporting the CFO, Executive Leadership Team and Board.
- Assess how commercial drivers affect the Group outlook and recommend interventions.
- Develop forward-looking models supporting investment, cost transformation and resource allocation.
- Leadership, systems and operating model | 10%
- Shape and embed the future FP&A operating model, governance, controls and decision rights.
- Lead, coach and develop the FP&A team.
- Act as business owner for Planful planning, forecasting, budgeting, workflow, controls and adoption.
- Set planning-system priorities and sponsor system development and rollout.
- Work with the Commercial Finance Lead to connect trusted commercial insight with stronger forward-looking decisions.
- OPERATING RHYTHMS AND KEY OUTPUTS Monthly performance
- Forums Led/Facilitated: Reporting readiness; Flash and Results Review; Group Performance Review; Board Pack Review; Reporting Sign-off.
- Key Outputs: Flash; management pack; Board pack; performance narrative; reconciled actuals.
- Monthly FP&A
- Forums Led/Facilitated: Expected Outturn; Regional and BU Forecast Challenges; R&O Review; Group Calibration.
- Key Outputs: Integrated forecast; forecast bridge; R&O register; scenarios; actions.
- PBF cycle
- Forums Led/Facilitated: PBF Kick-off; Central Shaping; submission reviews; Budget and LRP challenge; Executive and Board preparation; final lock.
- Key Outputs: Budget; LRP; assumptions; target-gap analysis; Board narrative; locked plan.
- Strategic
- Forums Led/Facilitated: Strategic Outlook; Investment Case Review; Cost and Productivity Forum; Benefits Realisation Review.
- Key Outputs: Strategic scenarios; decision papers; investment cases; benefits tracker; interventions.
You will be an experienced FP&A leader with strong commercial judgement, the confidence to challenge senior stakeholders and the ability to connect detailed performance with the wider strategic picture., Professionally qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
- Strong prior Technology, Media or Telecommunications experience.
- Substantial post-qualified FP&A and Commercial Finance experience.
- Proven ownership of Group reporting, forecasting, Budget and LRP in a multinational, multi-entity and multi-currency organisation.
- Strong CFO, executive and Board stakeholder experience.
- Demonstrable people-management and team-development experience.
- Experience managing central or corporate-function costs.
- Required experience of finance-system development, implementation or rollout.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain quality while working at pace.
Desirable experience
- Planful, Adaptive, Anaplan, One Stream or another PBF platform.
- Power BI or comparable BI tools.
- Net Suite or a comparable international ERP.
- Listed-company, investor-relations, agency or professional-services experience.
M+C Saatchi Group has pledged its commitment to create a company that values difference, with an inclusive culture.
As part of this M+C Saatchi Group continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not and shall not discriminate, celebrates diversity and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on merit, without regard for any personal characteristics.
For the right candidate, we will offer a competitive salary and benefits package which includes 27 days annual holiday, private healthcare, employer contributory pension, life assurance and income protection.
We also offer a host of benefits that support wellbeing including subsidised gym membership, whilst our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion sees us offer learning opportunities around D&I, mentoring programmes and the opportunity for all to participate in a number of active Employee Led Networks and associated events.
Finally, this role will be supported with all the necessary personal development required to set someone up for success.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of FP&A in City of Westminster employer: M+C Saatchi Group
M+C Saatchi is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of London, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and technology intersect. As an AV & IT Specialist, you'll benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and comprehensive health benefits, all while being part of a diverse and inclusive culture that prioritises employee growth through mentoring programmes and active participation in Employee Led Networks. Join us to play a pivotal role in enhancing workplace experiences and enjoy the unique advantage of working in a collaborative team that values your expertise and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of FP&A in City of Westminster
✨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 M+C Saatchi Group. 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 FP&A in City of Westminster
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 M+C Saatchi Group.
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 M+C Saatchi Group'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 M+C Saatchi Group
✨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 M+C Saatchi Group.
✨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 M+C Saatchi Group 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 M+C Saatchi Group 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.
