Head of Financial Planning & Analysis

A growing professional services company is seeking an experienced Head of Financial Planning & Analysis to lead and develop its FP&A function and play a key role in supporting strategic decision-making at executive board level.

This is a senior leadership role (3 days WFH) responsible for evolving the existing FP&A capability into a forward-looking, insight-driven function that delivers meaningful analysis, robust forecasting, and high-quality reporting to executive leadership and the Board. The successful candidate will have a strong track record of delivering strategic financial insight at executive and board level and will understand the expectations placed on a modern FP&A function in a commercially focused organisation.

The Role Reporting to the Finance Director, the Head of FP&A will be responsible for driving financial insight, strengthening performance reporting, and ensuring the organisation's leadership team has the data and analysis required to make informed strategic decisions.

Key responsibilities include:

Finance & Business Strategy

• Support the Finance Director in communicating financial strategy and recommended actions to senior leadership and the Board.
• Contribute to the development of the organisation's five-year business plan and long-term financial strategy.
• Develop meaningful financial KPIs to measure business performance and the success of strategic initiatives.
• Analyse competitor and market financial information to provide insight that supports strategic decision-making.
• Lead commercial pricing discussions for new opportunities, including developing standard cost and pricing models.

Business Performance Reporting

• Monitor performance against key targets and deliver clear, corporate-level management information to senior management and the Board.
• Ensure routine management reporting is produced on time, is accurate, and reflects agreed data from key stakeholders.
• Provide clear financial reporting that highlights trends, key risks, opportunities, and strategic implications.
• Build strong relationships across the organisation
• Support the Finance Director in preparing board reports and presentations on financial performance and strategic developments.

Forecasting, Cash Flow & Financial Modelling

• Develop and maintain a robust planning and analysis framework to support goal setting and performance measurement across the business.
• Project manage end-to-end forecasting processes, including timelines, communication and data requirements.
• Produce regular financial forecasts to support business partners, senior management and the Board.
• Use modelling and trend analysis to inform decision-making and communicate insights across the organisation.
• Ensure the integrity of financial models through appropriate controls, documentation and testing.
• Work closely with the MI and technology teams to enhance financial modelling and data analysis capabilities.
• Prepare high-quality reports and presentations summarising financial forecasts and strategic insights for executive stakeholders.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop the FP&A team, including recruitment, development, performance management and task allocation.
• Contribute to departmental planning and priorities.
• Engage with senior leadership across the organisation.

The successful candidate will be a commercially minded finance leader with strong analytical capability and proven experience supporting executive decision-making.

If you are interested in this Head of FP&A opportunity or would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Richard Warwick at IPS Finance. IPS Finance has 45 years experience in the Yorkshire accountancy recruitment market. We have built our business on long term relationships with both individuals and clients in all sectors, bringing real benefits to all concerned.

Please visit the IPS Finance website to view the latest accountancy / finance and practice opportunities.