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- Tasks: Lead financial analysis and reporting to drive business performance and support decision-making.
- Company: Join a certified Great Place to Work, committed to work/life balance and employee wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while enjoying a 4-day work week.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 5+ years in FP&A and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on empowering every child to thrive.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Wearereallyproudtosaythatin2025,OutcomesFirstGroupwereofficiallycertifiedasaGreatPlacetoWorkforthesixthyearrunning. Were reimagining work/life balance and you could be part of it. At OFG, we're proud to be part of the 4-Day Working Week trial a bold step toward giving our teams more time to recharge, refresh, and enjoy life outside of work. That means you could be working 80% of your usual hours, while still earning 100% of your pay.
Salary: £70,000 - £75,000 Per Annum Depending on Experience
Location: Bolton (Hybrid working office based 2 days per week)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Mon-Fri 9-5
About Us
At Outcomes First Group, we believe every child can thrive when given the right environment for success. As one of the worlds leading providers in our sector, we deliver exceptional, research-led education tailored to each individual, with smaller class sizes and personalised learning plans. Our vision is to empower every child with a world-class education that nurtures potential and inspires lifelong learning. Our mission is to unlock that potential through personalised learning and opportunity. And our promise is simple: we listen, we work together, and we are accountable to one another to make the remarkable happen.
The role:
- Deliver high-quality forecasting, analysis and BI-enabled reporting that drive business performance.
- Act as a trusted FP&A manager, financial modeller and systems and insight lead, providing clear, actionable insight that supports divisional and Group decision-making.
- The role has a strong focus on data, systems, reporting and performance insight, ensuring senior leaders have access to clear, timely and decision-ready information.
What you'll do:
- Financial Performance & Analysis
- Lead periodic management reporting and BI-driven performance analysis, ensuring timely, accurate and consistent results to internal stakeholders.
- Support senior leadership with data-led insight, challenge and recommendations aligned to strategic and operational objectives.
- Manage KPI reporting and performance dashboards for relevant divisions, highlighting trends, risks and opportunities.
- Build and maintain robust financial and performance models to support initiatives and business cases.
- Provide variance analysis vs budget/forecast with clear narrative, visualisation and actions.
- Deliver high-impact ad-hoc analysis, reporting and data deep-dives as requested by the Head of FP&A / Finance Director.
- Coordinate and deliver the UK annual budgeting cycle with the FP&A team, supported by system-driven planning and BI reporting outputs.
- Drive the quarterly reforecast process in partnership with Finance and BI to improve forecast accuracy, automation and efficiency.
- Maintain and improve the planning model and underlying KPI assumptions to ensure data integrity, consistency and alignment across systems.
- Monitor performance vs budget/forecast using BI dashboards and reporting tools and recommend corrective actions.
- Support the implementation and enhancement of BI, planning and finance systems for reporting, budgeting and modelling in partnership with the Head of FP&A and BI.
- Continuously improve processes, standardise reporting packs, strengthen data governance and automate repeatable tasks.
- Manage distribution, access and governance of dashboards, reports and performance outputs through systems and automation.
- Act as a key FP&A contact for systems development, reporting enhancements and data model changes.
- Build strong working relationships with senior leaders and operational teams; act as the first point of contact for FP&A, reporting and BI-related queries within remit.
- Provide timely monthly reports and interactive dashboards (with BI support) and improve financial and data awareness through guidance and training where needed.
- Model a positive, professional and collaborative approach within Finance and across BI and the wider business.
What we're looking for:
- Essential
- Fully qualified accountant (CIMA / ACCA / ACA or equivalent).
- 5+ years FP&A / Commercial Finance experience, with significant exposure to BI, systems or performance reporting.
- Advanced financial modelling, budgeting and forecasting (Excel and BI tools).
- Strong analytical problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and data quality.
- Ability to present complex financial and performance information clearly to senior stakeholders; strong executive-ready slide and dashboard storytelling skills (PowerPoint).
- Solid grounding in management accounting, planning and performance measurement.
- Experience improving and standardising BI reporting processes, automation and dashboard delivery.
- Exposure to tools such as Planning Analytics, Power BI, Tableau or Cognos.
- Experience working with finance or reporting systems implementations.
- Experience in a PE-backed environment.
- Experience mentoring or informally coaching team members.
Why join Outcomes First Group?
About the Group
Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high quality special needs education and care. We are a vital part of local communities in England, Scotland and Wales with a renowned reputation for quality and positive outcomes for the people we educate and care for.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so youll 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.
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package thats right for you, including:
- A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
- 100s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
- Cycle to Work Schemes
- 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.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Please note: 4DWW is subject to successful completion of your probation period and is not a contractual benefit.
Senior Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Manager Systems & Reporting Lead in Manchester employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Manager Systems & Reporting Lead in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or even in person. Let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior FP&A role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Outcomes First Group values collaboration and innovation, so think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Be ready to share examples of how you've driven performance and made an impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! When discussing your past experiences, focus on how you’ve used data and insights to influence decision-making. Make it engaging and relevant to the role of FP&A Manager, showcasing your analytical prowess and leadership abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission to empower every child with a world-class education.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Manager Systems & Reporting Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior FP&A Manager role. Highlight your experience in financial modelling, BI reporting, and any relevant systems you've worked with. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don't forget to mention our commitment to work/life balance and how that resonates with you.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your analytical problem-solving skills. Provide examples of how you've used data to drive business performance or improve processes. We love seeing candidates who can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it's super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior FP&A Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive business decisions in the past. Prepare examples of your forecasting and budgeting experience that highlight your analytical skills.
✨Master the BI Tools
Familiarise yourself with BI tools like Power BI or Tableau, as these are crucial for the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented or improved reporting processes using these tools. Showing your technical prowess will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
You’ll need to present complex financial information clearly to senior stakeholders. Prepare a few slides or a dashboard that tells a compelling story about a past project. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and make data-driven insights accessible.
✨Build Relationships
The role involves significant business partnering, so think about how you've built strong relationships in previous roles. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with senior leaders and operational teams to achieve common goals. This will show that you're not just a numbers person but also a team player.
