At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning, forecasting, and performance analysis to drive financial insights.
- Company: Join a dynamic, globally-minded team with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Flexible working, global opportunities, and a focus on work-life balance.
- Other info: Embrace hybrid working with 2 days in the office and 3 days remote.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial performance and decision-making.
- Qualifications: Degree educated with 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 Limited
As a Planning Analyst, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive environment that prioritises your professional growth and work-life balance. With flexible working options 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 supportive workplace culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Analyst
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend networking events, webinars, or even local meetups. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a portfolio showcasing your dashboard creations and financial analyses. Use tools like Power BI to present your work in a visually appealing way. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to budgeting, forecasting, and stakeholder management. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions and improve outcomes.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for 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!
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 candidates who can demonstrate their ability to provide financial support and challenge effectively.
Highlight Relationship Building:Since this role involves working closely with stakeholders, mention any experiences where you've built strong relationships or provided financial insight. We value collaboration, so let us know how you’ve made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at SmartestEnergy Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Planning Analyst, you'll be dealing with financial data all the time. Brush up on your budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in past roles, especially when it comes to managing OpEx.
✨Showcase Your Dashboard Skills
If you’ve got experience with Power BI or similar tools, flaunt it! Prepare to talk about specific dashboards you've created and how they helped in decision-making. Bring examples if you can, as this will demonstrate your ability to turn complex data into clear insights.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
This role requires strong relationships with business leaders and cost centre owners. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders to provide financial insight. Highlight your communication skills and how you challenge assumptions to drive better outcomes.
✨Embrace the Company Culture
StudySmarter values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you contribute to a positive team environment. Share experiences that showcase your adaptability and respect for different perspectives, aligning with their commitment to a diverse workplace.
