At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial planning and analysis, driving strategic decisions for a global organisation.
- Company: Join Synthomer, a leader in high-performance polymers with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, global bonus scheme, flexible working options, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Gain exposure to senior leadership and influence key business decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with strong analytical skills and experience in FP&A or similar roles.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products. At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.
We're looking for a Group FP&A Analyst to join our Group Finance team at our global headquarters in Victoria, London. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, providing the analysis, reporting and insight that helps shape the future direction of the business. Working alongside the Head of Group FP&A, you'll play a key role in supporting the Executive Committee, CFO and Board through high-quality financial planning, forecasting and performance analysis.
What You'll Be Doing
As a trusted finance partner, you'll help deliver the insights that drive business performance and strategic decision-making across the Group.
- Supporting annual budgeting, forecasting and long-term strategic planning processes
- Analysing performance across multiple business divisions, identifying trends, opportunities and risks
- Partnering with finance leaders and budget owners to challenge assumptions and improve decision-making
- Delivering meaningful commentary and reporting for senior leadership teams
- Providing analysis and insight for Board presentations, Executive reviews and investor reporting
- Identifying efficiency opportunities and supporting cost optimisation initiatives
- Leveraging advanced analytics, automation and AI tools to enhance reporting and planning processes
- Contributing to finance transformation and continuous improvement projects
What We're Looking For
We're seeking a qualified finance professional with a strong analytical mindset and the confidence to engage with senior stakeholders.
- ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualification
- Experience within FP&A, Commercial Finance, Corporate Finance, Transaction Services, Audit or a similar analytical finance role
- Strong financial modelling and forecasting capabilities
- Advanced Excel skills and excellent PowerPoint presentation skills
- The ability to translate complex financial information into concise, actionable insights
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Exceptional attention to detail and a naturally inquisitive approach
Why Join Us?
This is an outstanding opportunity to gain exposure to senior leadership and play a meaningful role in shaping the financial strategy of a global organisation. You'll work on high-profile projects, influence key business decisions, and contribute to the continued evolution of a forward-thinking finance function. If you're looking for a role that combines strategic finance, commercial insight and genuine visibility, we'd love to hear from you.
This position is based at our London Global Headquarters, with an expectation of at least four days per week in the office to support collaboration and engagement with the wider team.
Global Benefits Overview
- Competitive, market-aligned compensation
- Discretionary global bonus scheme
- Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
- Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
- Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
- Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
- Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
- Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
- Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
- Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
- Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
- Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes
Group FP&A Analyst employer: Synthomer plc
At Synthomer, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly at our Harlow site where innovation meets operational excellence. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored learning and development opportunities, a culture of inclusion, and a strong focus on safety and wellbeing. Join us to lead a passionate team in a dynamic environment that values your contributions and fosters continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group FP&A Analyst
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Synthomer plc. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Synthomer plc.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Synthomer plc. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Group FP&A Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Synthomer plc and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Synthomer plc how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Synthomer plc
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Synthomer plc.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Synthomer plc's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
