Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Analyst

About the role

Maxi Zoo Ireland is looking for a seasoned FP&A Analyst with a strong commercial outlook to join the Retail Support Office and work closely with leadership across its retail operations in Ireland.

The position supports the company’s budgeting, forecasting, planning, and performance review activities. It is an important role for turning financial data into actionable insight, helping guide business decisions and contributing to strategic projects.

This is a full-time hybrid role based at the Head Office in Ballincollig, County Cork. Fully remote working is not available.

Key responsibilities

Financial planning and forecasting

• Assist with annual budgeting cycles and recurring forecast updates.
• Build financial models to estimate revenue, expenditure, and cash flow.
• Coordinate with business teams to collect assumptions and input data.
• Load final forecast figures into the SAP/BPC controlling platform for local and group consolidation.

Reporting

• Support month-end close activities alongside the finance team.
• Make sure FP&A outputs are consistent with statutory reporting and the financial statements.
• Prepare management reporting packs and presentations on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Deliver accurate and timely reports for senior management.

Performance analysis

• Review monthly results against budget and the previous year.
• Spot major variances and explain the reasons behind them.
• Monitor KPIs and other operational performance measures.
• Create dashboards and reporting tools using Excel, Power BI, or similar platforms.

Business partnering

• Work with department leaders and operational/store managers.
• Provide financial guidance that supports better decision-making.
• Assist with investment appraisals, business cases, and sensitivity analysis.
• Question assumptions and highlight improvement opportunities.

Process improvement

• Look for ways to make reporting faster and more accurate.
• Support the rollout of finance systems and tools.
• Improve data quality and strengthen reporting capability.

Qualifications and experience

• Professionally qualified accountant: ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.
• At least 2 years of experience in FP&A, commercial finance, or a comparable role.
• Retail, FMCG, or multi-site experience is preferred.
• Background in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling.

Technical skills and core competencies

• Advanced Excel capability, including formulas, pivot tables, and modelling.
• Exposure to ERP platforms such as SAP is preferred.
• Experience with reporting tools like Power BI is an advantage.
• Strong analytical thinking and close attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial awareness with strong problem-solving ability.
• Self-driven and able to work independently to deadlines.
• Comfortable building relationships across finance and non-finance teams.
• A growth-oriented mindset and enthusiasm for helping build a stronger organisation.

What the company offers

• The chance to develop your career with Europe’s largest pet retailer.
• Competitive pay and pension package.
• Hybrid office working arrangement.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Staff discount of up to 40%, plus 20% off salon services.
• Career development opportunities.
• Paid maternity leave, paternity leave, annual leave, and sick leave.
• Free on-site parking.