At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead budgeting and forecasting for Trafigura's Global Cost Management team.
- Company: Join a dynamic global leader in commodities trading.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to excellence and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years in FP&A or management accounting; finance degree required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Main purpose: Lead the operational execution of Trafigura's overhead and indirect Global Cost Management team (GCM), ensuring rigorous budgeting discipline, accurate forecasting, and transparent cost allocation to profit centres across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Budget & Forecast Management
- Execute quarterly rolling forecast cycles for all overhead cost categories.
- Coordinate annual zero‑based budgeting exercises, challenging historical spend patterns and driving cost justification from budget holders.
- Maintain detailed budget models with granular cost centre and GL account level tracking.
- Produce variance analysis reports (actual vs budget vs forecast) with clear commentary on drivers and corrective actions.
- Overhead Allocation & Reporting
- Design and maintain allocation methodologies for shared services and corporate costs to profit centres using appropriate drivers (headcount, revenue, assets, etc.).
- Execute monthly allocation runs and reconcile.
- Produce management reporting packs showing overhead costs by function, region, and profit centre.
- Support profit centre P&L owners in understanding their allocated overhead charges.
- Process & Controls
- Own the end‑to‑end overhead budgeting and forecasting calendar, ensuring timely delivery.
- Establish and enforce budget submission templates, approval workflows, and data quality standards.
- Maintain the overhead cost hierarchy and chart of accounts structure.
- Implement controls to prevent budget overruns and ensure proper authorisation of expenditure.
- Stakeholder Management
- Partner with functional heads (HR, IT, Legal, Compliance, Operations) to understand cost drivers and forecast requirements.
- Conduct monthly business review meetings with budget holders to track performance.
- Provide training and guidance to non‑finance stakeholders on budgeting tools and processes.
- Analysis & Insights
- Identify cost optimization opportunities and efficiency improvements across overhead base.
- Benchmark overhead ratios against industry standards and peer companies.
- Analyse headcount‑to‑cost relationships and productivity metrics.
- Support business case development for new overhead investments.
Required Qualifications
- 5‑7 years in FP&A, management accounting, or financial controlling roles.
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
- Demonstrated experience establishing or significantly improving budgeting processes.
- Track record of implementing zero‑based budgeting or similar cost management initiatives.
- Experience with overhead allocation methodologies in multi‑entity organizations.
- Background in fast‑paced, matrix organizations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in commodities trading, financial services, or multinational corporations.
- Exposure to Big4 consulting or internal transformation projects.
- Professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CFA, CPA) or working towards advanced training in financial modelling or FP&A best practices.
- Previous role implementing new EPM/planning systems.
- Experience managing small teams or leading cross‑functional projects.
Technical Competencies
- Advanced Excel/Financial Modelling: complex formulas, pivot tables, macros, scenario modelling.
- ERP Systems: strong experience with Oracle and OneStream (preferred).
- Planning Tools: proficiency in Anaplan, Adaptive Insights, Hyperion, or similar EPM platforms.
- Data Management: ability to work with large datasets, perform data validation and reconciliation.
- Allocation Methodologies: deep understanding of cost allocation principles and driver‑based modelling.
- Analytical Capabilities: strong numerical reasoning, attention to detail, identify trends, anomalies, and root causes in financial data.
- Process & Execution: proven track record of implementing and improving FP&A processes from scratch; strong project management; deadline‐driven; process documentation and continuous improvement mindset.
- Communication & Influence: ability to translate complex financial concepts for non‑finance audiences; confidence in challenging senior stakeholders; clear written communication; presentation skills for budget review meetings and steering committees.
- Business Acumen: understanding of commodities trading business model (desirable); commercial awareness of how overhead costs impact profit centre economics; appreciation of regulatory and compliance cost drivers in financial services; knowledge of shared services operating models.
Success Metrics (First 12 Months)
- Successful delivery of 4 quarterly rolling forecasts with 80% on process efficiency.
- Tracking of cost optimization opportunities.
Head of FP&A employer: Puma Energy
Trafigura is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, offering employees the opportunity to lead impactful financial strategies within the commodities trading sector. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees can expect robust training programs and career advancement opportunities, all while working in a fast-paced environment that values innovation and collaboration. Located in a vibrant city, Trafigura provides a stimulating workplace where diverse perspectives are celebrated, making it an ideal choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of FP&A
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and FP&A space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s financials and recent news. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their business. Bring insights on cost management trends that could benefit them!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience with budgeting processes and financial modelling can directly impact their overhead costs. Tailor your examples to align with what they’re looking for in the Head of FP&A role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of FP&A
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of FP&A role. Highlight your budgeting and forecasting expertise, especially any experience with zero-based budgeting or overhead allocation methodologies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've improved budgeting processes or managed financial controls in previous roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, emphasise your analytical capabilities. Mention any tools or methodologies you’ve used to analyse financial data and identify cost optimisation opportunities, as this is key for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Puma Energy
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of FP&A, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of budgeting and forecasting. Brush up on your financial modelling skills, especially in Excel. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved budgeting processes or implemented zero-based budgeting in previous roles.
✨Understand Cost Allocation
Familiarise yourself with overhead allocation methodologies and be prepared to explain how you would design and maintain these for shared services. Think about how you can articulate the importance of accurate cost allocation to profit centres and how it impacts overall business performance.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder management is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've partnered with functional heads in the past. Have examples ready that showcase your ability to communicate complex financial concepts to non-finance audiences and how you’ve influenced decision-making.
✨Showcase Analytical Skills
Highlight your analytical capabilities by discussing how you've identified cost optimisation opportunities in previous positions. Be ready to share insights from variance analysis reports you've produced and how those insights led to actionable changes within the organisation.
