Group Financial Planning & Analysis Manager

A&O Shearman; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent legal services firm in Belfast is looking for a Group Financial Planning & Analysis Manager to oversee financial reporting, driving insights for critical decisions. The ideal candidate will manage budgets, and forecasts and collaborate with senior leadership. This full-time role emphasizes strong accounting experience and advanced technical skills, contributing to a high-performing finance team. The company promotes flexible and hybrid work arrangements, valuing employee wellbeing and inclusivity.

Benefits

Occupational pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Mental health resources

Holiday entitlement increasing with length of service

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a commercial accounting role, ideally with industry exposure.
• Shared service environment experience is a plus.
• Excellent numeracy, literacy, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality, timely financial reports and analysis.
• Collaborate with Finance Heads to support commercial decisions.
• Review management accounts and share actionable insights.
• Assist in preparing and presenting quarterly and annual results.
• Own and manage the group forecasting and planning tool.
• Lead the annual group budget coordination and preparation.
• Build robust forecasts and financial models for initiatives.
• Advise global CFOs and Finance Managers on business plans.

Skills

Commercial accounting experience

Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency

Experience with complex finance systems

Strong communication skills

Education

Qualified member of a recognised accounting body

Job description

Group Financial Planning & Analysis Manager

Only for registered members

Belfast

GBP 50,000 - 60,000

Group Financial Planning & Analysis Manager

Join to apply for the Group Financial Planning & Analysis Manager role at A&O Shearman.

Deliver Insights That Drive Decision

• Prepare high-quality, timely financial reports and analysis—both regular and ad hoc—providing clear recommendations for senior leadership, including the ExCo and Support Directors.
• Collaborate with Finance Heads and management teams to support commercial decisions through critical evaluation and problem‑solving.
• Review management accounts and share actionable insights with offices, Support Directors, and Finance Heads.
• Assist in preparing and presenting quarterly and annual results to stakeholders.
• Own and manage the group forecasting and planning tool (Xcelerate), delivering training and leading system/process improvement projects.
• Take a leadership role in coordinating and preparing the annual group budget, challenging assumptions and ensuring accuracy.
• Build robust forecasts and complex financial models for business initiatives and scenario testing.
• Contribute to business plans by advising Global CFOs and Finance Managers using advanced financial modelling.

Be a Trusted Adviser and Change Leader

• Act as a subject matter expert and go‑to resource for the global Finance community.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Build strong relationships across global offices and support functions to stay informed and provide meaningful insights.
• Collaborate with Group Finance colleagues to foster a high‑performing team culture.
• Travel to offices within the network as required.

Qualifications / What you will have

• Extensive experience in a commercial accounting role, ideally with industry exposure.
• Shared service environment experience is a plus.
• Strong technical skills: advanced Microsoft Office proficiency and experience with complex finance systems.
• Qualified member of a recognised accounting body.
• Excellent numeracy, literacy, and communication skills.

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, reflected in a wide range of benefits, including: occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services (GP service, emergency back‑up care support, parental and special leave), holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, online discounts and lifestyle management services.

We recognise the value of flexible working and embrace hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Finance
Industries: Law Practice and Legal Services