FP&A Analyst (Fixed Term Contract)

Lightfoot; Devon and Torbay; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Lightfoot is seeking an FP&A Analyst on a 16-month fixed-term contract to own budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting. You will build and maintain the three-statement model and collaborate with cross-functional teams across the business.

Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will help drive finance transformation, support system implementations and financial analysis for key decisions. Hybrid working with Exeter office, 37.5 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified CIMA, ACCA or ACA.
• Experience with integrated three-statement financial modelling and cash flow forecasting.
• Advanced Excel and Power Query skills.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting and management reporting.
• Ability to present financial information to senior and non-finance stakeholders.
• Desirable: Power Automate or other automation tools.
• Desirable: experience in subscription or SaaS business.
• Desirable: IFRS knowledge and finance system implementation.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the three-statement integrated model and three-year plan.
• Deliver monthly reforecasts and cash flow forecasts for liquidity.
• Prepare the annual budget with department heads.
• Run scenario and sensitivity analysis to assess risks.
• Produce monthly packs/board slides with commentary.
• Support month-end close and assist with year-end processes.
• Assist with system implementations and finance process improvements.

Skills

Financial modelling

Budgeting & forecasting

Management reporting

Stakeholder communication

Presentation to senior/non-finance

Excel

Power Query

Power Automate

Education

CIMA/ACCA/ACA

Tools

Excel

Power Query

Power Automate

Job description

About the Role

We're looking for an FP&A Analyst to join our Finance team on a fixed-term basis. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you'll own budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting, and work closely with teams across the business to provide the financial insight that supports key decisions.

This is a hands-on role in a small, fast-moving team. It suits a commercially-minded, qualified accountant who can pick up existing models and processes quickly, keep the monthly cycle running smoothly and is happy to challenge and improve the way things are done.

It's also an exciting time to join. You'll have the opportunity to get involved in implementing new finance systems and processes, gaining valuable practical experience of finance transformation along the way.

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Location: Hybrid working, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays based in our Exeter office.

Contract duration: 16-month fixed-term contract, commencing in early 2027.

Key Responsibilities Planning and forecasting

• Maintain the three-statement integrated model (P&L, balance sheet and cash flow), including the three-year plan
• Deliver monthly reforecasts reflecting the latest performance and outlook, including detailed cash flow forecasts to support liquidity management
• Prepare the annual budget in collaboration with department heads
• Run scenario and sensitivity analysis to assess risks and opportunities

Reporting and analysis

• Prepare monthly reporting packs and board slides, with commentary on performance
• Analyse variances against budget and forecast
• Build business cases and ad hoc analysis to support investment and other key business decisions
• Test pricing to ensure target margins are achieved
• Monitor costs across the business
• Assist with capacity planning and costing to inform resourcing decisions
• Calculate development and R&D costs for reporting purposes

Business partnering

• Partner with teams across the business to provide financial insight and support
• Explain financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders

Month-end, year-end and controls

• Support month-end close, including reconciliations, journals and accruals
• Support year-end and the external audit, including preparing supporting schedules
• Reconcile large datasets, including fitter invoicing, to ensure accuracy
• Review and approve payroll and payment runs, including commission and bonus calculations

Other responsibilities

• Support the planned move to a new finance system, including data migration and testing
• Improve finance processes, including automation using Excel, Power Query, Power Automate and AI tools
• Support other members of the team with day-to-day finance operations
• Adhoc work as directed by the Head of Finance

Essential Skills & Experience

• Fully qualified CIMA, ACCA or ACA
• Experience of integrated three-statement financial modelling and cash flow forecasting
• Advanced Excel and Power Query skills, including building and maintaining financial models
• Solid experience of budgeting, forecasting and management reporting
• Confident presenting financial information to senior and non-finance stakeholders
• Desirable: experience with Power Automate or other automation tools
• Desirable: experience in a subscription or SaaS business
• Desirable: knowledge of IFRS, particularly revenue and lease accounting
• Desirable: experience of a finance system implementation

Ways of Working & Personal Attributes

• Able to get up to take ownership of existing models and processes
• Strong attention to detail, with a questioning nature
• Self-motivated and comfortable managing competing deadlines
• Commercially-minded, with a willingness to challenge and innovate
• Concise, clear communicator
• Enthusiastic, engaging and personable