At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning, forecasting, and performance analysis to drive financial insights.
- Company: Join a global team making an impact across the UK, US, and Australia.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working with 2 days in the office and 3 days remote.
- Why this job: Be a trusted Finance Business Partner and enhance business outcomes with your insights.
- Qualifications: Degree educated or relevant experience; interest in professional accounting qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
As a Planning Analyst within the FP&A function, you will be responsible for leading the end-to-end planning, forecasting, reporting, and performance analysis of the corporate operating expense (OpEx) cost base. Working closely with business leaders and cost centre owners, you will provide financial insight and challenge to support effective decision-making, ensuring budgets and forecasts are robust, accurate, and aligned to strategic objectives. Through detailed analysis, management reporting, and performance monitoring, you will help drive cost transparency, financial discipline, and improved business outcomes.
In addition to core planning responsibilities, you will act as a trusted Finance Business Partner to corporate functions and senior stakeholders, supporting them in understanding cost drivers, managing expenditure, and identifying risks and opportunities. Leveraging tools such as Excel, Power Query, Power BI, and automation solutions, you will develop insightful dashboards and reporting that enhance visibility, improve efficiency, and enable proactive management of financial performance across the organisation.
What skills/experience do I need to be successful?
- Degree educated or equivalent relevant experience, with progress towards or interest in studying a professional accounting qualification (ACA / ACCA / CIMA).
- Experience delivering and owning dashboard creation, ideally using Power BI, with the ability to turn complex or messy data into clear, reliable and presentation‑ready outputs.
- Experience building effective relationships with stakeholders and providing clear financial support, insight and challenge.
- Good understanding of budgeting, forecasting and management reporting.
- Good understanding of OpEx, cost drivers and variance analysis.
What sets us apart?
- Global Impact: With offices in the UK, US, and Australia, and plans for further expansion, you'll be part of a dynamic, globally-minded team, with opportunities to explore new markets and make a difference on a global scale.
- Flexible Working: Embrace the freedom to work from anywhere in the world for up to 30 days a year. We prioritize work-life balance, recognizing that your well‑being matters.
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate our diverse culture and value individuals irrespective of background, disability, religion, gender identity, sexuality, or ethnicity. Join a team where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated as a key driver of growth and innovation.
What does hybrid working mean to us?
Hybrid working typically means 2 days in the office location listed on this advert and 3 days working at home each week. Some occasional travel to our other offices may be required.
Planning Analyst employer: SmartestEnergy Business Limited
As a Planning Analyst at our company, you will thrive in a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises your professional growth and well-being. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity, you'll be part of a globally-minded team that values your contributions and encourages innovative thinking. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of a balanced work-life environment.
Contact Details:
SmartestEnergy Business Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role at the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to financial analysis and stakeholder management. Use the STAR method to structure your answers, showcasing your skills in budgeting and forecasting.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your tech skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used tools like Power BI or Excel in past roles. Maybe even bring a sample dashboard to demonstrate your ability to turn data into insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Planning Analyst role. Highlight your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and any tools like Power BI that you've used. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your understanding of OpEx and cost drivers, as this will resonate with us.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've turned complex data into clear insights. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their analytical prowess, especially if you've created dashboards or reports in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at SmartestEnergy Business Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Planning Analyst, you'll be dealing with budgets and forecasts, so brush up on your financial metrics. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used data analysis in previous roles, especially with tools like Excel and Power BI. Show them you can turn complex data into clear insights!
✨Build Relationships
This role involves working closely with business leaders and stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve provided financial support and insight in the past.
✨Showcase Your Dashboard Skills
If you have experience creating dashboards, especially in Power BI, make sure to mention it! Bring examples of your work if possible, and explain how your dashboards improved visibility and decision-making. They’ll want to see your ability to present data effectively.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Demonstrate your understanding of OpEx, cost drivers, and variance analysis. Be ready to discuss how these elements impact overall business performance. Showing that you can think strategically will set you apart as a candidate who can contribute to their goals.
