863 Underwriters jobs in the United Kingdom

Head of Financial Planning & Analysis

£90,000 - £10,000 + Car allowance, Bonus & Benefits

Are you a senior finance leader with an emphasis on FP&A and long term strategic planning?

Aila is exclusively partnered with our longstanding client who has constantly been recognised for their awards and offers an excellent environment for you to excel.

About the Company:

• 11 years in Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For
• ~ 00m turnover, leading British Manufacturing business
• The leader in its field with two separate businesses in the Group
• Strong Employee Value Proposition & sustainably focused

The Role:

The Group FP&A team are financial business partners to the senior managers within the Group and are responsible for preparing tailored financial reporting and analysis, including monthly management accounts, analysis of business performance, annual budgets and 5-year plans.

You will manage this team, reporting to the Group CFO and take lead in delivering this as well as implementing a new global planning & reporting tool.

This is a senior Finance role that is both strategic and “hands on” in preparing global financial reporting and developing appropriate analysis to facilitate effective decision making within the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and prepare the consolidated Group management accounts packs and support analysis to agreed deadlines and quality standard
• Prepare tailored monthly reporting including insightful commercial analysis of concise commentary on business performance, KPIs and trends globally (sales, margins, manufacturing, overheads and working capital) to facilitate effective decision making within the business
• People manage all the management accountants on the FP&A team
• Working with the Group IT team, complete the implementation of a new global financial planning and management accounts reporting system
• Prepare the monthly reporting timetable and coordinate achievement of the deadlines
• Prepare monthly P&L forecasts
• Coordinate the budget processes and prepare timely and accurate consolidated information packs and analysis
• Prepare timely and accurate consolidated information packs and analysis for the 5 Year Plan
• Act as Business Partner to support & hold accountable Operational and Commercial stakeholders to meet financial targets for the business.
• Support decision making by Group CFO and CEO with data and KPIs.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Qualified CIMA/ACCA/ACA Accountant with at least 10 years’ experience in FP&A
• Previous effective management of a month end FP&A team
• Experience in a complex global and constantly evolving commercial environment
• Managing comprehensive budget process for a complex global business
• Experience in a manufacturing, engineering or product-based business
• Advanced Excel skills and the ability to implement a new reporting tool

What they Offer:

• Competitive salary: £90,00 - 10,000
• Car Allowance: ,000
• Enhanced pension
• Share Incentive Plan
• 25 days holiday, Healthcare & Life Insurance
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid working (2-3 days in Letchworth)

How to Apply:

We want to hear from you if you're excited about this opportunity and believe you have what it takes to excel in this role. Apply now for further information.

About Aila Recruitment:

Aila is a specialist finance recruitment business dedicated to providing the best jobs to the best people. We operate as an extended arm of our client's business and a career coach for our candidates' ongoing development.

Not quite the right role for you?

Contact us to discuss other opportunities and start a partnership with a finance agency that puts you first.

• Lead the financial planning and analysis function for the organisation.
• Develop and maintain robust financial models for budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning.
• Prepare monthly management reports, analysing financial performance against budget and prior periods.
• Provide strategic financial insights and recommendations to senior management.
• Business partner with department heads to understand their financial needs and support strategic initiatives.
• Oversee the annual budgeting and long-range planning processes.
• Conduct variance analysis and identify key drivers of financial performance.
• Manage and mentor a team of financial analysts.
• Improve financial reporting processes and systems.
• Support ad-hoc financial analysis and projects as required.

• Lead and manage the Financial Planning & Analysis function.
• Develop and maintain long-term financial plans, annual budgets, and periodic forecasts.
• Analyze financial results, variances, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Provide insightful financial analysis and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Business partner with department heads to support strategic decision-making.
• Develop and enhance financial models and reporting tools.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data.
• Oversee the preparation of management reports and presentations.
• Mentor and develop the FP&A team.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• Professional qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is essential.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in financial planning and analysis, with a minimum of 4 years in a leadership role.
• Proven expertise in financial modeling, forecasting, and budgeting.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with financial planning software (e.g., Hyperion, SAP BPC, Anaplan) is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment.

• Prepare and analyse monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage the month-end and year-end close processes.
• Perform bank reconciliations and general ledger reconciliations.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide explanations for financial performance.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
• Prepare journal entries and maintain accounting records.
• Assist in the development and implementation of accounting policies and procedures.
• Support ad-hoc financial projects and analysis as required.

• ACCA, CIMA, ACA qualified or nearing completion.
• Proven experience as a Senior Accountant or in a similar financial role.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles (UK GAAP and/or IFRS).
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, SAP) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with financial audits and tax compliance is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage workload effectively.

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS/GAAP.
• Perform detailed financial analysis, variance explanations, and trend identification.
• Manage and oversee the general ledger, ensuring accuracy and completeness of postings.
• Support with statutory audits and tax compliance activities.
• Develop and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets.
• Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Reconcile complex balance sheet accounts and ensure all entries are accurate.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements within the accounting function and implement solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide financial insights and support decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards and regulations.
• Prepare ad-hoc financial reports and analyses as required by management.
• Stay current with changes in accounting standards and best practices.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior accounting staff.

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience in accounting and financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS or UK GAAP.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, SAP) and advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong understanding of internal controls and audit processes.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, essential for effective remote collaboration.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet strict deadlines.
• Proactive and solutions-oriented approach to accounting challenges.
• Experience in financial modelling is a plus.

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with UK GAAP and/or IFRS.
• Manage the general ledger, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all financial transactions.
• Perform detailed financial analysis, variance analysis, and trend identification to provide insights into business performance.
• Assist in the budgeting and forecasting processes, working closely with department heads.
• Support external audits by providing necessary documentation and explanations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant tax regulations and statutory reporting requirements.
• Develop and implement improvements to accounting processes and internal controls to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts and investigate any discrepancies.
• Prepare management reports and presentations to support strategic decision-making.
• Support the implementation and ongoing maintenance of accounting software and systems.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the accounting team.
• Stay updated on changes in accounting standards and regulations.

• ACCA, CIMA, ACA qualification or equivalent, or a strong track record of relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in accounting, with a focus on financial reporting and analysis.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK GAAP and/or IFRS.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks, SAP) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with keen attention to detail.
• Excellent understanding of financial controls and audit processes.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Experience in a professional services or corporate finance environment is advantageous.
• Proactive approach to identifying and resolving financial issues.

• Lead the development and execution of the annual budgeting and long-range planning processes.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial forecasts, ensuring accuracy and providing variance analysis against actual results and budget.
• Develop sophisticated financial models to support strategic initiatives, investment decisions, and scenario planning.
• Analyze financial performance, identifying key trends, risks, and opportunities, and providing actionable recommendations to senior management.
• Collaborate closely with business leaders across all departments to understand operational drivers and their financial implications.
• Enhance financial reporting capabilities, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and timeliness of management reports.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of financial dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Drive continuous improvement in FP&A processes and systems, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and insights.
• Mentor and develop a team of finance professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Stay current with accounting principles, financial regulations, and industry best practices.
• Present financial insights and recommendations to executive leadership.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Professional qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA, MBA) is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in financial planning and analysis, preferably within a complex corporate environment.
• Proven expertise in financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis.
• Strong understanding of financial statements and accounting principles.
• Proficiency in financial planning software (e.g., Hyperion, Anaplan, SAP BPC) and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
• Experience working in a hybrid work model, balancing remote and office-based responsibilities.