Head of Financial Planning & Analysis

Paragon Skills; Bristol; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Head of FP&A to drive financial strategy and analysis within the education sector. This pivotal role involves leading financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting to align with strategic objectives. You will work closely with senior leadership to enhance decision-making and support long-term growth. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of financial management within the educational context. Join a dynamic team where your contributions will shape the future of financial planning and impact the delivery of high-quality education.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in financial planning and analysis roles.
• Strong analytical skills with a focus on strategic financial insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of budgets and financial plans aligned with strategic objectives.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to key stakeholders.
• Monitor cash flow and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

Financial Planning

Budgeting

Forecasting

Strategic Financial Analysis

Financial Reporting

KPI Analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Finance or Accounting

Professional Finance Qualification (CIMA, ACCA, etc.)

Tools

Financial Software

Excel

Job description

Salary: £70,000 - 80,000

Location: Remote (UK only)

Knovia are on a journey of expanding their shared services functions and are looking for a Head of FP&A to join their finance department. In this exciting new role, you will make an impact and be responsible for leading the financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial analysis across the best-in-class companies within the group, in line with the further education sector’s unique funding models, performance metrics, and financial challenges.

You will champion the delivery of high-quality education, impact, growth and change to our chosen sectors within the group, by providing strategic opportunities to shape the overall financial strategy, enhance decision-making, and contribute to our long-term growth and success.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead the development of annual budgets, forecasts and long-term financial plans, ensuring alignment with the group’s strategic objectives, adjusting as necessary.
2. Work closely with senior leadership, department heads and executive colleagues to create a comprehensive and sustainable financial plan, balancing educational and sector priorities with financial viability.
3. Ensure that financial resources are allocated efficiently across the group to support key initiatives, reviewing and challenging budget assumptions as required to ensure accuracy and consistency.
4. Act as a trusted advisor to key stakeholders, providing financial insights and recommending actions to achieve business objectives.
5. Provide in-depth financial analysis and reports highlighting financial performance, variances, risks, and opportunities.
6. Prepare regular financial forecasts, advising on potential challenges and providing recommendations to address them.
7. Analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the FE sector, such as EBITDA and QAR.
8. Monitor and manage cash flow and reporting, ensuring that all financial planning and reporting comply with government regulations, funding requirements (e.g., Ofsted, Education and Skills Funding Agency or DFE), and accounting standards.