Group Financial Planning \u0026amp; Analysis Manager

A&O Shearman; Northern Ireland; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Northern Ireland is looking for a Group FP&A Manager to shape financial insights that guide business decisions. The candidate will prepare detailed financial reports, own forecasting tools, and act as a trusted adviser within the Finance community. They seek someone with extensive commercial accounting experience, strong technical skills, and the ability to foster relationships across global teams. The role embraces hybrid working, with 40% of time remote. Competitive benefits are offered.

Benefits

Occupational pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Health and wellbeing services

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a commercial accounting role, ideally with industry exposure.
• Strong technical skills and experience with complex finance systems.
• Experience in a shared service environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality financial reports and analysis for senior leadership.
• Own and manage the group forecasting and planning tool.
• Act as a subject matter expert for the global Finance community.

Skills

Commercial accounting experience

Advanced Microsoft Office skills

Strong communication skills

Financial modeling expertise

Education

Qualified member of a recognized accounting body

Tools

Xcelerate

Complex finance systems

Job description

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Group FP&A Manager to join our Finance Team, based in the A&O Shearman Belfast office.

As Group FP&A Manager, you will be at the heart of shaping financial insights that guide the firm's future. Your role goes beyond numbers; you'll influence decisions, champion change across the global finance function, and act as a trusted adviser and mentor within the Finance community and be a business partner to management.

What you will do

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.

Lead Financial Planning & Forecasting

• 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.

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

What we can offer you

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing 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 do, however, 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.

If this role is not of interest we may have another suitable opportunity here for you at A&O Shearman! Visit our careers portal at A&O Shearman Careers and submit your CV to our Talent Network to be notified when the perfect opportunity becomes available.