At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning for Rugby World Cups, managing budgets and providing insights.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at the forefront of global sports events.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to work on high-profile projects.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence key decisions.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on major sporting events while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with 8+ years in financial planning for large events.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Closing date for applications - Sunday 21st June
Overview
The Senior Manager, FP&A oversees financial planning and analysis for all Rugby World Cups. These events are complex, multiyear, multi-entity programmes with significant commercial, operational and reputational impact. This position manages budgeting, forecasting, and provides insightful financial guidance for upcoming tournaments. Additionally, the role provides FP&A support for centrally managed areas of ongoing RWC operations, working closely with the Operating Company (OpCo) finance team.
Principal accountabilities
- Act as the finance lead for all future Rugby World Cups (RWCs), overseeing the evaluation of bids through to OpCo establishment, providing comprehensive financial insights, scenario modelling and risk/opportunity analysis to support key decisions.
- Lead the budgeting, forecasting and reforecasting processes for tournament budgets relating to future RWCs.
- Oversee the budgeting, forecasting and reforecasting of centrally managed activities for ongoing RWCs in close collaboration with the OpCo finance team.
- Act as senior finance business partner to WREM leadership, OpCo Finance leaders and functional leads.
- Strengthen FP&A processes, reporting and tools, improving visibility, agility and control.
- Support governance forums and senior stakeholders with clear, concise financial analysis and recommendations.
- Working with finance colleagues, ensure all information reconciles to financial accounts on a monthly basis.
Qualifications & experience
- Qualified Accountant with a minimum of 8 years PQE (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Strong experience in end-to-end financial planning for large events or projects, including budgeting, forecasting, reforecasting and post event reviews.
- Advanced financial modelling skills, including scenario analysis and risk/opportunity assessment to support bid evaluation and OpCo decisions.
- Excellent understanding of P&L, cash flow and balance sheet dynamics, and how tournament and central costs flow through the financial statements.
- Experience partnering with senior leaders and cross functional teams to shape budgets, challenge assumptions and support key investment and operational decisions.
- Comfortable working with complex, multi entity structures (e.g. WREM Central and OpCos), ensuring consistent treatment of costs and revenues.
Key skills & personal attributes
- Highly effective finance business partner, able to build trusted relationships with WREM leadership, OpCo finance leads and functional heads in Finance.
- Strong communication skills, presenting complex financial information and scenarios in a clear, concise way for governance forums and senior stakeholders.
- Confident in challenging and influencing senior stakeholders, using evidence‑based analysis and well‑structured narratives to support recommendations.
- Proactive, ownership mindset, taking responsibility for the quality of insight and the robustness of information.
- Process minded, with a drive to improve FP&A processes, tools and reporting, increasing visibility, agility and control over time.
- Calm and resilient under pressure, especially around bid deadlines, budget cycles and key decision meetings.
Senior FP&A Manager employer: World Rugby
As a Senior FP&A Manager at our organisation, you will be part of a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to delivering world-class Rugby World Cups. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values professional growth, offering extensive development opportunities and the chance to work alongside industry leaders. Located in a vibrant environment, we provide a unique opportunity to contribute to high-profile events while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity and excellence.
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 World Rugby. 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 World Rugby.
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 World Rugby'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 World Rugby
✨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 World Rugby.
✨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 World Rugby 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 World Rugby 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.
