Head of Financial Planning and Analysis

About the Role

We are collaborating exclusively with a private equity-backed specialist financial services firm embarking on an ambitious expansion through acquisition. This senior leadership role is for a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) to steer the financial planning and analysis function, while playing a key part in strategic investments and mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

Reporting directly to the CFO, this highly visible position offers substantial involvement with the Executive Committee and the chance to significantly influence major commercial and strategic decisions in a growing, investor-supported financial services company.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the complete budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning processes across the organisation.
• Create sophisticated financial models, conduct scenario analyses, and develop forecasting assumptions to underpin strategic decision-making.
• Prepare insightful management reports with comprehensive analysis and commentary for the Executive Committee and Board.
• Support an active M&A agenda by performing financial modeling, valuations, due diligence, and investment appraisals.
• Collaborate closely with the CFO and senior leaders to assess strategic opportunities and commercial projects.
• Oversee and nurture direct reports while continuously enhancing the FP&A function.
• Work in partnership with finance teams throughout the UK to refine reporting, planning, and financial insights.
• Identify and implement improvements in processes, systems, data quality, and financial reporting capabilities.
• Provide proactive financial challenge and commercial insights, aiming to influence business decisions beyond mere reporting.

Candidate Profile

• CACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with a strong record of FP&A post qualification experience.
• Demonstrated leadership in budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and management reporting within a regulated financial services setting.
• Advanced financial modeling expertise, including building scenario models and critically evaluating business assumptions.
• Hands-on experience in M&A, either internally within Corporate Development or FP&A, or in external advisory roles such as Transaction Services, Corporate Finance, or Deal Advisory.
• Proven ability to work within an FCA regulated financial services environment.
• Commercially astute with confidence to engage and influence senior stakeholders, including participation in Executive Committee discussions.
• Highly analytical and intellectually curious, capable of approaching problem-solving from foundational principles.
• Strong proficiency with systems and data, coupled with a commitment to continuous process and reporting enhancement.
• Organised and flexible, adept at managing multiple priorities within a dynamic and fast-moving workplace.
• Collaborative, personable, and forward-thinking, with the credibility to cultivate effective relationships across the business.

Additional Information

Compensation includes a base salary of £100,000 supplemented by a bonus and private medical coverage benefits.

This is a full-time, onsite opportunity located in the London Area. The position offers significant leadership exposure and strategic influence within a private equity-backed financial services company.