Financial Planning Analyst (FP&A) – Business Partnering & Analysis (Bolton)

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running. You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.

This role will provide high-quality financial planning, analysis and reporting to the finance leadership and operational teams to drive business performance, foster understanding and support growth. Be a trusted and valued Finance Business Partner to senior management, providing strategic financial insight to drive growth.

• Financial performance:

• Lead month-end reporting and analysis to Operational leaders, delivering clear and accurate financial results in a timely manner.
• Analyse monthly financial results prepared by the accounting team to highlight and comment on key variances to budget or forecast.
• Collaborate with and support stakeholders to understand, track and analyse site financial performance, building rapport and holding them accountable for budget targets.
• Ensure that financial KPIs for relevant divisions are clearly and accurately reported on, with key trends highlighted to support informed decision making.
• Communicate performance effectively and objectively to the business, challenging budget holders and fostering a culture of accountability.
• Manage and maintain the month-end query tracker, ensuring site leaders receive prompt and clear responses to aid their understanding of financial results.
• Continuously review and improve the reporting processes and analysis across the FP&A and wider Finance team where appropriate.
• Work closely with the Business Intelligence team to create and distribute financial results and scorecards through systems and automation.

• Lead the budgeting process for respective area, ensuring alignment to overall strategy and relevant analysis is provided in-line with strict Group timelines.
• Support the Finance Business Partners in the budgeting process across all areas of the Group, ensuring alignment to strict timelines and relevant analysis is adhered to.
• Maintain a budget and forecasting financial model to ensure consistency of data across all areas, including relevant KPIs.
• Support the Lead FP&A Analyst, Head of FP&A and Business Intelligence team in implementing system-driven automation for reporting, budgeting and modelling tools.

• Build strong relationships with senior leaders and operational teams, including relevant department heads.
• Act as the main point of contact on behalf of the wider finance team for responding to queries raised directly to the job holder.
• Demonstrate strong financial business partnering skills by:

• Providing timely delivery of monthly reports and scorecards (with support from the Business Intelligence team).
• Offering training and guidance on financial awareness to key senior leaders in operational teams as needed.
• Model a positive, professional and collaborative ethos in the Finance team, fostering a supportive and productive work environment.

There are a number of standard duties and responsibilities that all employees, irrespective of their role and level of seniority within OFG Group are expected to be familiar with and adhere to:

• Participates in an annual performance review programme.
• Works, at all times, in accordance with the policies and procedures of the OFG Group and statutory regulations applicable to the Group.
• Observes, at all times, strict rules of confidentiality appropriate to the post.
• To comply at all times with the requirements of Health and Safety Regulations to ensure their own wellbeing and that of their colleagues.
• OFG Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all employees to work in accordance with this.
• Undertakes other duties as assigned.

• Studying towards or completed a relevant accounting qualification (CIMA / ACCA / ACA etc.)
• A relevant degree (Accounting / Finance / Maths etc.) or AAT qualification.
• Advanced Excel skills are critical – data manipulation (including extraction from financial ledgers), analytical and presentation skills at a level suitable for Senior Manager review.
• Proven ability to influence financial outcomes and work closely with operational managers.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to communicate and build relationships with people at different levels.
• Ability to present complex data and analysis in a high impact visual manner to senior stakeholders, drawing out the key messages and findings.
• Relevant management accounting experience.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office including PowerPoint.
• Experience of Access Dimensions and Power BI would be advantageous, though not essential.

Outcomes First Group is the leading provider of specialist education in the UK. We exist to give neurodivergent children and young people access to a great education that caters to their specific needs, abilities and aspirations.

Our Vision: Empower every child, whatever their ability, with a world-class education that nurtures potential, inspires lifelong learning, and equips them to thrive in a diverse and evolving world.

Our Mission: We commit to unlocking our pupils’ potential through personalised learning, innovation, and opportunity, supporting growth and aspirations.

Our Promise: We Listen. We never assume. We work together. To make the remarkable happen. We are accountable. To each other and for one another.

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.