At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and analysis, influencing strategic decisions at the highest level.
- Company: Whitbread, a leading hospitality company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare, pension contributions, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
- Why this job: Shape financial narratives and drive business growth in a high-profile leadership role.
- Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification and 5+ years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Dunstable LU5
Hybrid working 3 days a week in the office
Are you looking for a high-profile finance leadership role where your insight directly influences strategic decision-making at the highest level? As Senior Finance Manager - Group FP&A, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping Whitbread's financial narrative, leading key planning, performance reporting and analysis activities across the Group. Working closely with senior stakeholders across Finance, Investor Relations, and the Executive Committee, you'll provide clear, insightful reporting on both financial and non-financial performance, helping to drive informed business decisions. Leading a team and collaborating across the wider finance function, this role offers exceptional exposure to board-level discussions and the opportunity to demonstrate and further develop your leadership credentials.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead the Group's performance reporting agenda, delivering monthly financial and non-financial reporting, insights and commentary to the Executive Committee and Board.
- Own key external reporting activities, supporting trading updates, half-year and full-year reporting through robust data validation, controls and governance processes.
- Drive performance insight and challenge, tracking cost efficiency programmes, business performance and key strategic metrics, highlighting risks, opportunities and actions.
- Lead and develop a high-performing team, coaching a team of four to deliver accurate, timely and impactful reporting while fostering continuous improvement.
- Partner with senior stakeholders across Finance and the wider business, providing commercial analysis, market insight and recommendations that support strategic decision-making and business growth.
Why you'll love it here
- Up to 10% matched contributory pension
- Healthcare for yourself and your family
What You'll Need to Bring
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with at least 5 years' post-qualified experience, alongside strong financial reporting, planning and analytical expertise.
- Excellent commercial acumen and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility, provide constructive challenge and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.
- Strong modelling, data management and systems capabilities, coupled with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to translate complex information into clear, meaningful insights.
- Proven leadership and delivery experience, with a track record of managing priorities in a fast-paced environment, meeting demanding deadlines and leading teams to achieve high-quality outcomes.
- Experience operating in complex commercial environments, ideally within multi-site retail, hospitality or consumer-focused businesses, with the ability to think strategically, independently lead projects and anticipate future risks and opportunities.
Senior FP&A Manager employer: Whitbread PLC
Whitbread PLC is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture where fun and hospitality thrive. As a Restaurant Team Member at The Warrener in Thetford, you'll enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive training, and valuable employee benefits, all while being part of a supportive team that values your growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior FP&A Manager
✨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 Whitbread PLC. 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 Senior FP&A Manager
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 Whitbread PLC.
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 Whitbread PLC'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 Whitbread PLC
✨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 Whitbread PLC.
✨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 Whitbread PLC 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 Whitbread PLC 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.
