Head of Financial Planning

Head of Financial Planning

Reading Full-Time 86000 - 124000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial planning, forecasting, and analysis to drive strategic decision-making.
  • Company: Join a dynamic, growth-oriented telecoms company focused on innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, bonus, pension, and private medical insurance.
  • Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team that values fresh ideas and proactive problem-solving.
  • Qualifications: University degree and accounting qualification with experience in financial planning and team leadership.
  • Other info: Opportunity to mentor a talented team and influence key business strategies.

The predicted salary is between 86000 - 124000 £ per year.

Reporting to the Finance Director, you will be responsible for leading the financial planning, forecasting and analysis function to support strategic decision-making and drive the company’s financial performance. This is a key leadership role that will collaborate closely with senior management to ensure that financial goals are met and resources are invested efficiently and effectively. We’re looking for fresh ideas and innovation, a passion for technology, problem solving, collaboration and customer service. This role would suit a candidate who has worked in a dynamic environment, knows what good budgeting and financial reports look like, and is excited by the opportunity to build a high-performing team and implement best financial practice in a young in spirit growing business. You’ll be endlessly proactive, anticipating challenges before they arise and always curious to learn more about how we can serve our customers (internal or external) better. This is a hybrid role with an expectation of attending our Reading office two to three days per week.

Responsibilities:

  • Strategic Financial Planning: Lead the annual budgeting process, ensuring alignment with business objectives and growth targets. Provide insightful analysis to guide decision-making on key investments and business priorities.
  • Forecasting & Variance Analysis: Oversee quarterly forecasts, ensuring accuracy and alignment with business. Analyse variances against budget and provide actionable insights and recommendations to improve financial performance.
  • Business Partnering: Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to provide financial insights that support business strategies, product development, pricing decisions, and capital allocation. Serve as a trusted advisor to the business.
  • Financial Reporting & Performance Metrics: Develop and maintain key financial performance metrics, dashboards, and reports for senior management. Ensure that financial data is presented in a clear, concise and actionable format.
  • Cost Management: Implement and oversee cost control initiatives across departments, ensuring alignment with overall business strategy and profitability goals. Drive operational efficiency and identify areas for cost reduction.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Develop and maintain financial models to support business decision-making. Leverage data to forecast business response to the market trends and assess the financial impact of new projects or initiatives.
  • Leadership & Team Management: Build, lead and mentor a high-performing FP&A team. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that the team is aligned with company objectives, developing new skills and meeting key performance targets.
  • Business Case Development: Lead the financial evaluation of new business opportunities, projects, and investments. Prepare comprehensive business cases that outline financial impacts, risks, and returns to support strategic decision-making.
  • Risk Management: Identify potential financial risks within the business, monitor macroeconomic factors and provide recommendations for mitigating risks and maximizing profitability.

Required Skills:

  • Experience in financial planning, reporting and analysis
  • Proven track record in leading and managing finance teams, with experience in business partnering at senior levels.
  • Strong financial modelling and forecasting expertise.
  • In-depth knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting and variance analysis.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
  • NetSuite experience
  • Telecoms experience

Qualifications:

  • University degree
  • Accounting qualification

Qualities and Attributes:

  • Reliable, flexible, adaptable, resilient, act with integrity, committed, honest and open, positive attitude, respectful, responsible, accountable, team player

Specific Skills:

  • Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders.
  • Leadership: Proven ability to lead and motivate a team and influence senior management and business leaders.
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and provide financial insight that helps to shape business strategy, financial direction and operational execution.
  • Solution Mindset: Analytical mindset with a strong problem-solving ability.
  • Highly organized with a keen attention to detail.
  • Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced, and constantly evolving environment.
  • Strong commercial acumen and business sense, with the ability to understand both the financial and operational drivers of a telecoms business.

Pay range and compensation package: £100,000 - £130,000 pa Bonus Pension PMI

Head of Financial Planning employer: Signet Recruitment and Retention

As a leading employer in the telecoms sector, we offer an exciting opportunity for the Head of Financial Planning to thrive in a dynamic and innovative environment. Our hybrid work model promotes flexibility, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have access to continuous learning and development opportunities. With a strong focus on collaboration and strategic decision-making, you will be part of a high-performing team dedicated to driving financial excellence and making a meaningful impact on the company's success.
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Contact Detail:

Signet Recruitment and Retention Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the finance and telecoms sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and leaders who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations for the Head of Financial Planning role.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in financial planning and analysis, especially within the telecoms industry. Being able to discuss current challenges and innovations during interviews will demonstrate your proactive approach and passion for the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to showcase your leadership skills by thinking of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight how you fostered collaboration and drove results, as this aligns with the company's emphasis on building high-performing teams.

✨Tip Number 4

Research StudySmarter's values and mission. Tailor your discussions to reflect how your personal values align with ours, particularly around innovation and customer service, which are key aspects of the role you're applying for.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning

Financial Planning
Forecasting Expertise
Variance Analysis
Business Partnering
Financial Reporting
Performance Metrics Development
Cost Management
Data-Driven Decision Making
Leadership and Team Management
Business Case Development
Risk Management
Strong Communication Skills
Strategic Thinking
Analytical Mindset
Problem-Solving Ability
Attention to Detail
Commercial Acumen
Experience with NetSuite
Telecoms Industry Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial planning, reporting, and analysis. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience you have in a fast-paced environment, particularly in telecoms if applicable.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for technology and problem-solving. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Showcase Your Financial Acumen: Demonstrate your expertise in financial modelling and forecasting by including specific achievements or projects where you provided actionable insights that improved financial performance.

Highlight Soft Skills: Since strong communication and leadership skills are crucial for this role, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders and led teams to success.

How to prepare for a job interview at Signet Recruitment and Retention

✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

Prepare to discuss how you've previously led financial planning and budgeting processes. Highlight specific examples where your strategic insights have directly influenced business decisions or outcomes.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Be ready to share experiences where you've successfully managed and mentored a finance team. Discuss your approach to fostering a collaborative environment and how you motivate your team to achieve their goals.

✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions

Since this role requires strong analytical skills, come equipped with examples of financial models you've developed. Be prepared to explain how you've used data to drive decision-making and improve financial performance.

✨Understand the Business Context

Research the company’s current financial position and market trends, especially in the telecoms sector. This will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate your understanding of the industry and its challenges.

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