At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis, shaping the business's financial strategy.
- Company: Join a large, complex organisation with a dynamic leadership team.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial decision-making in a senior leadership role.
- Qualifications: Experience in FP&A within complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
- Other info: Manage a small team and drive data quality and automation.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
We are working with a large, operationally complex organisation to appoint a Head of FP&A into a senior leadership role. This position sits at the heart of financial planning, performance insight and decision support, working closely with the CFO and senior leadership team.
The role will appeal to someone comfortable operating in complex, matrix-style environments, where clarity, judgement and stakeholder management are critical.
The Role
You will lead the FP&A function and play a central role in shaping the financial view of the business - from short-term forecasting through to longer-term strategic planning.
- Ownership of forecasting, budgeting and long-range planning, covering P&L, cash flow and balance sheet
- Delivery of 12-month rolling forecasts and 3-year strategic plans, built from clear drivers and assumptions
- Scenario planning, with clear articulation of risks and opportunities
- High-quality performance analysis and reporting, ensuring senior stakeholders have forward-looking insight
- Close business partnering across Operations, Sales and central functions to support decision-making
- Input into investment appraisals, commercial decisions and resource allocation
- Working with the CFO to provide clear, concise narrative behind the numbers for senior stakeholders
Leadership & Team
You will manage and develop a small FP&A team, overseeing forecasting cycles, performance packs and variance analysis. A key focus of the role is driving consistency, data quality and automation, ensuring a single, trusted version of financial information.
About You
You are likely to be operating at Head of FP&A, Senior FP&A or equivalent level, with experience gained in:
- Matrix or multi-stakeholder organisations
- Businesses with complex reporting lines or ownership structures
- Operationally intensive or commercially layered environments
You will bring:
- Strong technical ownership of planning, forecasting and performance analysis
- Confidence working with senior leadership and external stakeholders
- The ability to translate complexity into clear, actionable insight
- A pragmatic, hands-on leadership style
Working Pattern & Location
Hybrid role with 2 days per week on-site.
Head of FP&A employer: SF Recruitment (Birmingham)
Contact Detail:
SF Recruitment (Birmingham) Recruiting Team
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 world, especially those who work in FP&A. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your scenario planning skills. Be ready to discuss how you would handle complex forecasting and budgeting challenges. Show them you can turn numbers into actionable insights!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of FP&A
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of FP&A role. Highlight your experience in financial planning, forecasting, and stakeholder management. We want to see how you've thrived in complex environments!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led FP&A functions and delivered insights that drove decision-making.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for someone with a hands-on leadership style. In your application, mention how you’ve developed teams and driven consistency in financial reporting. Let us know how you motivate and manage your team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Recruitment (Birmingham)
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of FP&A, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical ownership of planning and forecasting. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles.
✨Master Stakeholder Management
This role requires excellent stakeholder management skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex relationships in matrix-style environments. Think about times when you’ve influenced senior leadership or collaborated with cross-functional teams.
✨Scenario Planning Savvy
Be ready to articulate your approach to scenario planning. Discuss specific instances where you've identified risks and opportunities through your analysis. This will show your ability to provide forward-looking insights that are crucial for the role.
✨Leadership Style Matters
Your leadership style is key in this position. Reflect on how you've developed and managed teams in the past. Be prepared to share your approach to driving consistency and data quality, as well as how you foster a collaborative environment within your team.