At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, budgeting, and analytics to drive business performance.
- Company: Heritage specialist lender modernising its approach in the mortgage market.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a best-in-class analytics capability in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy and influence business performance in a growing organisation.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in FP&A, strong leadership skills, and Chartered Accountant qualification.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our client is a heritage specialist lender ready to evolve beyond tradition and grow its specialist lending offering. Be part of the team modernising a trusted brand for today’s more complex mortgage market. This is an exciting opportunity for a senior finance professional to lead the Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and Business Intelligence (BI) functions. Reporting to the Head of Credit Risk and Financial Strategy, this senior leadership role will drive the organisation’s financial planning processes, lead budgeting and forecasting cycles, and deliver high-quality analytics and reporting to senior leadership.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead the development of annual budgets, rolling forecasts, and long-term financial plans aligned to strategic objectives.
- Build and maintain complex financial models to support scenario planning, investment decisions, and business cases.
- Analyse financial performance against budgets and forecasts, providing actionable insight and recommendations.
- Deliver timely, accurate, and insightful financial reporting to executive management, Board, and regulatory bodies.
- Develop and execute a BI strategy to enhance data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency.
- Provide leadership and direction to BI team members, prioritising work aligned to business needs in a fast-paced project-based environment.
The successful candidate will possess:
- Significant experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance analysis within the financial services sector.
- Strong leadership experience across FP&A and/or Business Intelligence functions.
- Working knowledge of SQL Server, data warehouses, and BI methodologies.
- Chartered Accountant qualification.
- Experience with Microsoft BI Stack (SSRS, SSIS, SSAS) and T-SQL.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced FP&A leader to shape financial strategy, influence business performance, and build a best-in-class analytics capability within a growing organisation. Our client offers flexible hybrid working, along with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. We would love to hear from you if this role aligns with your experience and career ambitions.
Head of Financial Planning and Analysis in Cardiff employer: Ultimate Banking
Join a dynamic and innovative mortgage lender in Glasgow, where you will be part of a collaborative and high-performing team dedicated to operational excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers excellent benefits, a hybrid work model, and opportunities to lead impactful projects that enhance customer service. This is not just a job; it's a chance to contribute to a rapidly growing business with ambitious plans for the future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning and Analysis in Cardiff
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Ultimate Banking. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning and Analysis in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Ultimate Banking.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Ultimate Banking's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ultimate Banking
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Ultimate Banking.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Ultimate Banking will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Ultimate Banking employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
