At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance activities, improve business performance, and drive profitable growth.
- Company: Join a trusted news agency with over 150 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, generous holiday, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Modern workplace in Leeds with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with strong commercial finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
The PA is a beacon of trust for news, content and data.
At the heart of our group is the Press Association, the UK and Ireland's national news agency, trusted for its impartiality, accuracy and speed for more than 150 years We bring these standards to everything we do, from news and sports data to content creation and communications.
We're combining AI and emerging technology with the expertise, judgement and originality of our people; helping us work smarter, explore new ideas and create greater value for our customers.
Now, we're beginning an exciting new chapter at West Village in Leeds city centre and looking for talented people to help shape what comes next.
The opportunity.
We're looking for an experienced, commercially focused finance leader to lead our Commercial Finance team on a 15-month fixed-term contract to cover parental leave.
Finance at The PA has undergone a significant transformation, and this is much more than a caretaker role.
You'll strengthen our approach to proactive FP&A and trusted business partnering, while providing insight that improves business performance.
A planned handover with the current role holder will give you valuable context, helping you make an early impact and leave a lasting legacy.
Regular UK travel is required, including travel to London around once or twice a month.
What you'll do.
- Lead the Group's FP&A activity, coordinating the annual budget and quarterly forecasting processes and ensuring they are delivered to a high standard.
- Use monthly financial reporting and analysis to identify trends, risks and opportunities, translating these into clear recommendations and actions.
- Strengthen Commercial Finance as a proactive, solutions-focused business partner to senior leaders across The PA.
- Partner with the CFO, Chief Revenue Officer, Executive Team and divisional MDs to improve commercial decision-making and business performance.
- Drive profitable growth through stronger pricing, contract review, margin improvement, cost optimisation and working-capital management.
- Improve product and client profitability reporting, sales-pipeline analysis and the evaluation of investment opportunities.
- Develop the use of SAP Analytics Cloud for planning, analysis and commercially focused insight.
- Lead and develop a geographically dispersed team while coordinating Group-wide activity to demanding timetables.
What you'll bring.
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification, with substantial senior-level commercial finance and FP&A experience.
- A track record of building or transforming teams and moving finance towards a more commercial, business-partnering model.
- Strong commercial judgement and credibility to challenge, influence and build trusted relationships at Executive and MD level.
- Experience working across a complex, multi-entity organisation.
- Excellent organisation, analysis and attention to detail, with a reputation for high-quality Board and leadership reporting.
- Experience of SAP S/4HANA and SAC Planning would be a real advantage. Media, publishing, data, digital or adjacent sector experience is welcome, but not essential.
What we offer
- Competitive salary plus a 20% completion bonus.
- 25 days' holiday plus public holidays, with a holiday purchase scheme.
- A yearly Wellbeing Day and eight hours of paid volunteering time.
- Pension, life assurance (4x salary), Wellhub access, learning opportunities
- A modern workplace at West Village in the heart of Leeds city centre, just a seven-minute walk from Leeds station.
- Rooftop terraces, collaborative spaces, a wellness studio, showers and extensive cycle storage.
- Exclusive discounts across Leeds, including offers on food and drink, fitness, entertainment and accommodation.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Read more employer: PA Media Group
PA Media Group is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Glasgow, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides ample opportunities for professional development and a competitive benefits package, including hybrid working arrangements that promote work-life balance. Joining PA Media Group means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to driving impactful marketing strategies in the PR & Marketing Services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Read more
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like PA Media Group. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from PA Media Group.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like PA Media Group. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Read more
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in PA Media Group and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show PA Media Group how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at PA Media Group
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with PA Media Group.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with PA Media Group's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
