At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, budgeting, and strategic decision-making for a growing organisation.
- Company: Reputable business in Milton Keynes with a focus on commercial growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, flexible hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive culture with excellent career growth and leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding financial strategies in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified accountant with significant experience in financial planning and analysis.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
Our client is a highly reputable well-established growing business, looking to take a more commercial approach for their future. The business is based on the outskirts of Milton Keynes, with parking on site. They offer an excellent benefits package, hybrid working and flexible hours.
The purpose of this role is to provide senior leadership of the business's financial planning, management reporting, and business partnering functions, and to design, implement, and continuously improve the processes, tools, and analytical frameworks that support sound financial decision-making across the company and its subsidiaries. The postholder is accountable for the accuracy, timeliness, and quality of management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and financial analysis. The role requires the identification and resolution of complex financial problems, the exercise of independent professional judgement, and the production of evidence-based recommendations on matters of strategic significance. The role leads the Finance Business Partnering function and is responsible for developing organisational capability, improving financial understanding across the company and embedding a culture of evidence-based decision making that supports delivery of their strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the financial planning and business partnering function, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, long-term financial planning and financial sustainability.
- Develop and embed robust financial planning frameworks, performance management processes and financial modelling standards to support strategic decision-making.
- Provide strategic financial advice and challenge to the CFO, Executive Team, and other senior stakeholders.
- Lead the financial evaluation of major investments, business cases, partnerships, organisational change initiatives and commercial opportunities.
- Deliver high-quality management information, financial analysis, forecasting and performance reporting to support governance and decision-making.
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders, acting as a trusted strategic adviser on financial and resource planning matters.
- Lead, develop and inspire the Finance Business Partnering team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and professional development.
- Drive financial literacy, commercial awareness and planning capability.
- Monitor financial, regulatory and sector developments, identifying risks, opportunities and actions to strengthen organisational performance.
- Deputise for the Chief Financial Officer when required.
The Successful Applicant
A successful Head of Financial Planning & Analysis should have:
- Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Significant post-qualification experience in financial planning, forecasting, FP&A, business partnering and management reporting within a complex organisation.
- Proven track record of providing strategic financial advice and influencing executive, board-level and governance decisions.
- Experience of leading, developing and transforming high-performing finance teams through change.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across senior leadership teams and with external partners.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, able to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for both financial and non-financial audiences.
- Demonstrable experience of improving financial processes, reporting, planning and performance management frameworks.
- Strong strategic planning, analytical and financial modelling skills, with the ability to evaluate complex issues and support organisational decision-making.
- Sound judgement, commercial awareness and a proactive approach to problem-solving, continuous improvement and organisational effectiveness.
- Experience acting as a deputy to a CFO, Finance Director or equivalent senior finance leader is desirable.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary ranging from 70,000 to 75,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Hybrid working arrangement, offering flexibility and work-life balance.
- Opportunity to work in a meaningful role and manage a great team!
- Supportive company culture with a focus on professional development.
- Permanent position with a medium-sized organisation based on the outskirts of Milton Keynes.
If you are ready to take on a leadership role in financial planning and contribute to an organisation that makes a difference, apply today!
Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in Milton Keynes employer: Michael Page International
Michael Page is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong focus on mentoring and team collaboration, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements and a competitive salary package, including performance-based bonuses. Joining this multinational organisation means being part of a high-growth team dedicated to delivering exceptional tax compliance services across diverse sectors.
Contact Details:
Michael Page International Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in Milton Keynes
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in Milton Keynes
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.
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✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
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