Head of FP&A

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.