Financial Planning and Analysis Manager

Cognita Schools; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognita Schools is seeking an FP&A Manager in London to lead cashflow forecasting, liquidity management and financial planning. You will partner with the CFO and Group Finance teams across regions to deliver sophisticated models, scenario analysis and insightful reporting for senior leadership and lenders.

The role requires a commercially minded finance professional with extensive Excel skills, a track record of improving models and processes, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a

Qualifications

• Experience in cashflow forecasting, analysis and reporting in a multi‑currency, multi‑regional setup.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills with ability to deliver actionable insights.
• Advanced Excel and stakeholder management abilities to influence senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead Group cashflow forecasting, liquidity management and planning.
• Own cashflow models, scenario planning and net debt forecasting processes.
• Support budgeting, long‑term planning, and strategic finance projects across a global organisation.

Skills

Cashflow forecasting

Analysis

Reporting

Stakeholder management

Excel

Education

CIMA/ACA/ACCA qualification

Tools

Excel

Job description

London – Permanent – Full Time – Hybrid (3 Days in Office)

About the Role:

As FP&A Manager, you will play a highly visible role within the Group Finance team, leading the Group's cashflow forecasting, liquidity management and financial planning activities. Working closely with the CFO, Group Finance, cluster finance teams and Corporate Development colleagues, you will own the Group's cashflow models, scenario planning and net debt forecasting processes, providing insightful analysis to support strategic decision-making, investor reporting and financing activities. You will be responsible for monitoring leverage and covenant compliance, supporting acquisitions and business growth plans, and delivering high‑quality reporting to senior leadership, investors and lenders. The role also offers the opportunity to contribute to the Group's annual budgeting and long‑term planning processes, drive continuous improvements in finance systems and reporting, and play a key part in strategic projects across a global organisation operating in multiple countries.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are looking for a commercially minded and qualified finance professional (CIMA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with significant experience in cashflow forecasting, analysis and reporting within a complex, multi‑currency and multi‑regional environment. You will have strong strategic and analytical skills, a proven ability to deliver actionable insights, and a track record of improving financial models, reporting and processes to drive greater efficiency and business performance. Highly organised and detail‑oriented, you will be comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment, managing competing priorities and balancing operational responsibilities with project‑based work. The successful candidate will possess advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly in Excel, alongside excellent stakeholder management and influencing abilities, enabling them to build effective relationships and collaborate confidently with senior leaders and global teams.

Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.