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- Tasks: Lead financial planning, budgeting, and analysis to support strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join SmartSearch, a rapidly growing tech company recognised for its innovative AML software.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture with excellent growth opportunities and community impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with 8+ years in FP&A and strong leadership experience required.
- Other info: Great Place To Work Certified since 2022, promoting diversity and social responsibility.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
SmartSearch’s distinctive Anti-Money Laundering verification software protects our clients by offering the most advanced and comprehensive features available from an AML provider. SmartSearch has grown rapidly by fostering an incredibly collaborative and supportive culture. As we continue our ambitious growth plans, we will strive to remain a truly exciting, rewarding, and unique place to work.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
We’re seeking a strategic and analytical finance leader to join our senior team as Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A). This individual will lead all aspects of budgeting, forecasting, long-term planning, and financial analysis. They will serve as a key partner to executive leadership, enabling informed, data-driven decision-making across SmartSearch. This is a high-impact role that requires both strategic thinking and strong execution. The ideal candidate will also be a proven people manager, capable of developing a high-performing team and building trusted relationships throughout the business.
VARIED DAY TO DAY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the FP&A function, including financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning.
- Partner with senior leadership across departments to deliver strategic financial support and business insights.
- Provide hands-on support for pricing strategy, customer proposals, and go-to-market decision-making, ensuring financial alignment with company goals.
- Deliver monthly and quarterly financial reporting packages, including KPI tracking, variance analysis, and commentary.
- Lead the annual budgeting and reforecasting cycles in collaboration with department heads.
- Support investment cases, board presentations, and strategic planning activities.
- Drive continuous improvement in forecasting accuracy, reporting automation, and analytical capabilities.
- Manage, mentor, and grow a high-performing FP&A team, fostering a culture of collaboration, development, and accountability.
- Implement and improve tools and processes that scale with company growth.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN A CANDIDATE?
- Qualified Accountant (CIMA or ACA)
- 8+ years of progressive experience in FP&A, corporate finance, or strategic finance roles, with at circa 3 years in a leadership capacity.
- Demonstrated success in partnering with senior executives to support strategic initiatives, particularly in pricing and commercial strategy.
- Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams; a strong, empathetic, and effective people manager.
- Experience in high-growth, tech-driven, or SaaS environments is preferred.
- Experience in an acquisitive PE environment is preferred and advantageous.
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills; proficiency with ERP (e.g., NetSuite), BI tools (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau), and planning platforms (e.g., Adaptive Insights, Anaplan).
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex financial data into clear insights and recommendations.
- High degree of initiative, adaptability, and ownership.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE AT SMARTSEARCH?
We are a multi-award winning Tech company with an aspirational mentality. Some of our most recent recognitions include: named in the renowned RegTech100 list for 2024, listed in the Top 100 Fastest Growing Tech Companies by Northern Tech Awards 2024 as well as being named Technology Provider of the Year by Corporate Finance Awards 2024. We have been Great Place To Work Certified since 2022. There are excellent progression opportunities due to our growth and you will have personal development goals, regular feedback and support. We are a diverse and inclusive team committed to promoting Diversity & Inclusion and Social Responsibility. Through our DE&I group, charitable initiatives and support for local schools, we actively foster a positive impact on our community.
COMPANY BENEFITS
- 25 days holiday rising to 30 with each year of service
- Private Medical Insurance covering dental and optical
- Company pension scheme
- Life Assurance – 4x your annual salary
- 1 day paid volunteering per year
- Enhanced maternity / paternity offerings
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to work scheme
- On site gym
Head of Financial Planning Analysis employer: SmartSearch
Contact Detail:
SmartSearch Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning Analysis
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with SmartSearch's unique culture and values. Understanding their collaborative and supportive environment will help you demonstrate how you can contribute to and enhance this culture during your interactions with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience in high-growth, tech-driven environments. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully partnered with senior executives on strategic initiatives, particularly in pricing and commercial strategy, as this aligns closely with the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring and fostering a culture of collaboration, which is crucial for the Head of FP&A position.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your financial modelling and analytical skills, especially with tools like Excel, PowerBI, and ERP systems. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas will set you apart as a candidate who can drive continuous improvement in forecasting and reporting.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning Analysis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial planning and analysis, particularly any leadership roles. Emphasise your achievements in budgeting, forecasting, and team management to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and analytical skills. Mention specific examples of how you've partnered with senior executives and contributed to pricing strategies or commercial initiatives in previous roles.
Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly outline your proficiency in advanced Excel, financial modelling, and any relevant ERP or BI tools. This is crucial for demonstrating your capability to handle the technical aspects of the role.
Showcase Leadership Experience: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully led and developed high-performing teams. Highlight your people management skills and your ability to foster a collaborative culture, as this is key for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at SmartSearch
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As the Head of FP&A, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've successfully partnered with senior executives in the past to support strategic initiatives, particularly in pricing and commercial strategy.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
This role requires a proven people manager. Be ready to discuss your experience in leading and developing high-performing teams. Share specific instances where you fostered collaboration and accountability within your team.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Make sure to brush up on your advanced Excel and financial modelling skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with ERP systems and BI tools, as well as how you've used these to drive continuous improvement in forecasting accuracy and reporting.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice translating complex financial data into clear insights and recommendations. You might be asked to explain your thought process during the interview, so clarity is key!
