At a Glance
- Tasks: Contribute to high-quality financial planning for a leading AI lab.
- Company: Join Mercor, a forward-thinking company at the forefront of AI finance.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, garden leave, and potential for future projects.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the AI sector while enhancing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in FP&A with strong P&L and budgeting experience.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Mercor is recruiting UK-based FP&A Experts for a research project with a leading frontier AI lab. We are seeking experienced finance professionals with 6+ years in FP&A, strategic finance, or finance business partnering. Strong candidates have directly owned a P&L, an annual budget, a rolling forecast, and a monthly variance process, and can translate accounting actuals into operational decisions on spending, headcount, and growth.
Ideal candidates have experience at one or more of the following types of business:
- Digital media and advertising
- Entertainment
- Subscription or membership businesses
- Live events
- Multi-location consumer businesses
- Another commercially complex business with a substantial FP&A function
Ideal candidates have experience with one or more of the following:
- P&L ownership and management reporting
- Annual budgeting and departmental budget consolidation
- Rolling forecasts and Income Statement projections
- Monthly variance analysis and budget-to-actual reporting
- Committed-expense analysis and cost control
- Forecast assumption setting and scenario stress-testing
You’ll help create, review, and evaluate high-quality financial planning scenarios, leveraging your experience in FP&A, budgeting, and management reporting. Strong candidates are comfortable explaining financial tradeoffs to non-finance stakeholders and turning a variance into a clear recommendation on what to do next.
Here are more details about the role:
- You will be contributing high-quality training data for frontier AI systems.
- This is a full-time engagement running from 10 August 2026 to 4 September 2026.
- The project team collaborates on a UK business-hours rhythm, with live team sessions each working day and occasional evening messages.
- The project pays two weeks of garden leave at the end of the engagement, with a one month non-compete running concurrently.
- Successful contributions increase the likelihood of being selected for future Mercor projects.
The vetting process involves:
- Resume and work history screen
- Short interview evaluating FP&A and management reporting expertise
Please note: Candidates must be based in the United Kingdom and have the right to work in the United Kingdom.
FP&A Specialist - Strategic Finance employer: Obsidian
At Obsidian, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our ML Scientists to push the boundaries of machine learning research. Located in a vibrant tech hub, we offer competitive compensation, flexible project-based work, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making us an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of AI.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FP&A Specialist - Strategic Finance
✨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 Obsidian. 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 FP&A Specialist - Strategic Finance
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 Obsidian.
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 Obsidian'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 Obsidian
✨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 Obsidian.
✨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 Obsidian 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 Obsidian 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.
