At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial planning, analysis, and reporting for a leading aerospace company.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aviation and defence technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and opportunities for skill development.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with potential travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a sustainable industry while growing your finance expertise.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant or relevant finance experience with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.
Job Description Summary: An integral member of the Actuation Group Finance team, reporting to the Group FP&A Manager. This role supports all core FP&A activities, including month-end close, forecasting, budgeting, and mid-term plan processes. The FP&A Analyst will play a key role in delivering high-quality financial insights, driving consistency across global sites, and enhancing reporting and consolidation processes. In addition, the role will support the tracking, validation, and reporting of synergies arising from the 2025 Safran acquisition, ensuring transparency and alignment with strategic objectives. This position requires a highly analytical individual with strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret financial and commercial data. The role presents a valuable exposure to the Actuation business as a whole and is an opportunity for excellent career progression.
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Planning & Analysis: Support the delivery of month-end close, forecasts, annual budgets, and mid-term plans, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to group timelines. Assist in the consolidation of financial data from multiple global sites, ensuring consistency and integrity of reported information. Perform detailed variance analysis (actuals vs forecast, budget, prior year), identifying key drivers and providing actionable insights. Support scenario modelling and ad hoc financial analysis to inform business decision-making.
- Reporting & Analysis: Assist in the production and enhancement of standardised management reporting packs for use across the business and for presentation to senior leadership. Develop and maintain robust reporting tools to improve visibility of financial and operational performance across the group. Proactively identify trends, risks, and opportunities through analysis of financial data.
- Post-Acquisition Integration & Synergies: Support the tracking, reporting, and validation of synergy initiatives related to the 2025 Safran acquisition. Work with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment between financial reporting and operational delivery of synergies. Assist in embedding consistent reporting methodologies for synergy realisation across sites.
Qualifications:
- Part-Qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA or CIMA) or relevant finance experience.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Strong Excel skills.
- Experience of a financial consolidation system or SAP ERP system.
- Effective communicator for process methodology.
- Self-motivated.
- Focused on learning new skills and career development.
- Flexible team member with commitment to the success of the function and organisation.
- Some travel may be required to support the global organisation.
FP&A Analyst in Birmingham employer: Safran
Safran is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the high-technology sector. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, with ample opportunities for career progression and exposure to cutting-edge projects in aviation, defense, and space markets. Located globally, Safran promotes a culture of sustainability and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FP&A Analyst in Birmingham
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Safran. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace FP&A Analyst in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Safran.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Safran's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Safran.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Safran will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Safran employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
