At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, reporting transformation, and strategic decision-making in a high-growth SaaS environment.
- Company: Market-leading international SaaS and technology business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, exit bonus, equity, and direct access to executive leadership.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and impact within a dynamic, international setting.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance while influencing key business decisions and driving growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA with strong FP&A experience and data-driven mindset.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
London Based Hybrid Working £120k to £140k base plus bonus plus exit bonus plus equity. We are partnering with a market‑leading international SaaS and technology business to appoint a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis. Reporting directly to the Group CFO, with regular exposure to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board, this is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the financial reporting, planning and data infrastructure of a highly successful growth business as it prepares for its next phase of value creation and a targeted exit event within the next four years.
As part of the long‑term incentive structure, the successful individual will participate in an exit bonus arrangement equivalent to approximately 1x annual salary upon successful completion of the transaction.
The Opportunity
Whilst the business has recently completed a NetSuite implementation, much of the Group's management information and FP&A reporting currently sits outside the ERP environment, relying on a series of sophisticated but highly manual Excel-based models and reporting packs. A key objective of this role will be to lead the evolution of the FP&A function from a largely spreadsheet‑driven environment to a scalable, automated and data‑led reporting framework capable of supporting a larger international business and future exit process. Working closely with Finance, Technology and Data teams, you will help design and implement a best‑in‑class reporting architecture that improves data quality, reporting efficiency, KPI visibility and decision‑making across the Group. This role offers a genuine opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on the business whilst becoming a trusted advisor to the CFO, CEO and Board.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic FP&A Leadership
- Lead the Group budgeting, forecasting and long‑range planning processes.
- Develop and maintain robust financial models, scenario planning and strategic forecasts.
- Produce insightful Board, shareholder and executive reporting.
- Build a 3‑5 year financial roadmap aligned to the company's growth and exit objectives.
- Data & Reporting Transformation
- Drive the transition from manual spreadsheet‑based reporting to an automated and scalable FP&A environment.
- Partner with Technology, Data and Finance teams to improve data integrity, reporting automation and management information.
- Enhance utilisation of NetSuite and associated reporting tools.
- Design KPI dashboards and performance reporting frameworks that provide real‑time business insights.
- Commercial Finance & Business Partnering
- Partner with senior stakeholders across the business to support strategic decision‑making.
- Deliver analysis around revenue performance, customer profitability, resource utilisation and operational efficiency.
- Support pricing decisions, investment appraisals and commercial evaluations.
- Identify opportunities to improve profitability, cash generation and operational performance.
- Leadership
- Lead and develop a small team of analysts and reporting specialists.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and commercial accountability.
About You
You will be a qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA finance professional with a strong FP&A background and a passion for using data to drive business performance. We're particularly interested in individuals who have:
- Built or transformed FP&A functions within high‑growth businesses.
- Experience operating within SaaS, technology or recurring revenue environments.
- Strong systems and reporting transformation experience.
- Advanced financial modelling capability.
- Expertise in Power BI, reporting tools and data visualisation.
- Experience presenting to Board and Executive stakeholders.
- A commercial mindset with the ability to influence and challenge senior decision‑makers.
Highly Desirable
- Experience within private equity‑backed businesses.
- Previous involvement in an exit, refinancing or significant value creation programme.
- Knowledge of SaaS metrics including ARR, MRR, churn, retention and customer lifetime value.
Why Join?
- Direct access to the CFO, CEO and Board.
- Significant influence over the company's reporting and decision‑making capability.
- Opportunity to lead a major finance transformation programme.
- High‑growth international SaaS environment.
- Exposure to a planned exit process within approximately four years.
- Exit bonus opportunity equivalent to circa 1x annual salary.
- Genuine opportunity to shape the future of the finance function.
Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in London employer: Savant Recruitment
Join a market-leading international SaaS and technology business as the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the financial reporting and planning infrastructure in a high-growth environment. With a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and an exit bonus structure, this role offers not only significant influence over strategic decision-making but also a chance to lead transformative initiatives that will leave a lasting legacy. The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and provides ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in London
✨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 Savant Recruitment. 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 Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in London
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 Savant Recruitment.
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 Savant Recruitment'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 Savant Recruitment
✨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 Savant Recruitment.
✨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 Savant Recruitment 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 Savant Recruitment 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.