At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis for a fast-growing AI scale-up.
- Company: Join Zanda, a partner to high-growth start-ups in the tech space.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, private medical insurance, and enhanced pension.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI innovation and make impactful financial decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with FP&A experience and strong modelling skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Reporting to: Finance leadership, operating as the most senior FP&A voice in the business with direct access to the Board Package.
Location: Hybrid, 3 days in their Farringdon Office.
Job type: Full-Time, Permanent (Priority will be given to candidates who are available immediately or on one month’s notice.)
ABOUT ZANDA
Zanda is an executive search partner that works exclusively with high-growth start-ups as they look to scale their business with senior talent. Zanda partners with VCs, founders, CEOs, and CFOs to deliver key senior appointments.
WHY THIS COMPANY AND ROLE
Zanda is partnering with a fast-growing AI infrastructure scale-up operating at the centre of one of the most significant shifts in enterprise computing backed by top VCs. The customer base and operations have scaled to the point where the Group’s financial planning and modelling needs dedicated, senior ownership, and the business is also actively exploring financing options to fund its next stage of expansion. This is the senior FP&A seat in the business, reporting straight into the Finance Director.
You will own the planning and performance cycle end to end: the budget, reforecasts, headcount plan and monthly Board pack. You will act as finance’s main partner to the people who spend the money across data centre operations, engineering, sales and G&A, and work alongside Strategic Finance to keep the Group’s integrated model grounded in operational reality. It is a hands-on role in a capital-intensive business where power and site costs move margins, so your analysis feeds directly into capacity and pricing decisions.
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN
- Setting and running the budget timetable, and delivering the annual budget and reforecasts to a standard leadership can rely on.
- Producing the monthly Board pack and management reporting, with a clear narrative and recommendations rather than variance tables.
- Partnering budget holders across data centre operations, engineering, sales and G&A: building bottom-up plans, challenging assumptions and holding them to account.
- Owning the headcount plan and FTE cost forecast with HR and department heads, covering hiring timing, cost and approvals.
- Running monthly budget vs actuals by entity, department and cost line, and getting to the drivers early.
- Analysing power consumption and pricing, colocation and site-level data centre costs, and their effect on margin.
- Building driver-based models for forecasting, scenarios and business cases, and supporting the rolling cash flow forecast.
- Stripping manual effort out of planning and reporting with Power BI, AI and digital tools.
ABOUT YOU
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA), or equivalent experience.
- Several years in FP&A or commercial finance, with end-to-end ownership of a budget and forecast cycle and monthly budget vs actuals.
- Strong modelling skills: driver-based forecasting, scenario and sensitivity analysis, and a solid grasp of how the three statements link.
- Proven experience partnering non-finance budget holders, with the confidence to influence and challenge them.
- Experience producing monthly Board or management reporting with clear commentary for senior and non-finance audiences.
- Strong understanding of the P&L, balance sheet and cash flow, including working capital, debtors and payables.
- Strong Excel skills and comfort working with operational and cost data.
Advantageous Background:
- Background in a capital-intensive or infrastructure business such as data centres, telecoms, energy, utilities or cloud.
- Analysis of energy or power costs, or site-level cost reporting.
- Multi-entity or multi-currency experience.
- High-growth scale-up or PE/VC-backed experience.
- Reporting automation using Power BI or AI tools.
Due to the volume of applications we typically receive, we are only able to respond directly to candidates shortlisted for interview.
Senior FP&A Manager | Ai | Series B in London employer: Zanda
Zanda is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within a high-growth global FinTech group that values innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a culture that encourages professional development and hands-on involvement in shaping the treasury function, while also enjoying the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of finance and technology in a rapidly evolving industry. With a commitment to employee growth and a robust support system, Zanda provides a rewarding platform for those looking to make a significant impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior FP&A Manager | Ai | Series B in London
✨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 Zanda. 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 Zanda.
✨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 Zanda. 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 Senior FP&A Manager | Ai | Series B in London
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 Zanda 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 Zanda how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zanda
✨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 Zanda.
✨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 Zanda'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!
