Head of Financial Planning & Analysis

Optimum Recruitment Group Limited; Wetherby; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A finance recruiting firm is seeking a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis for a client in Leeds. This role involves leading financial planning cycles, providing strategic insights, and developing finance teams. Candidates should have extensive experience in finance management, strong communication skills, and be a qualified accountant. The position offers a competitive salary up to £80k and benefits with flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Competitive salary package

Positive office environment

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience leading finance teams.
• Track record of influencing at Board level.
• Ability to simplify complex financial issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of financial plans and forecasts.
• Provide insights for strategic decision-making.
• Mentor a high-performing FP&A team.

Skills

Team leadership experience

Strong communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Technical financial expertise

Presentation skills

Education

Qualified accountant

Job description

Optimum Recruitment Group have been appointed on an exclusive basis to appoint a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis for our successful client based in Leeds.

As Head of FP&A, you will be responsible for leading the organisation's financial planning cycle, including strategic plans, annual budgets, and rolling forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and effective resource allocation. You will provide commercial insight, scenario analysis, and business case evaluations to support key decisions, risk management, and long-term financial sustainability. Managing and developing the FP&A and business partnering teams will form a key part of this role, driving continuous improvement and ensuring high-quality financial support across the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Leading the delivery of financial plans, forecasts, and five-year strategy.
• Providing clear, insightful analysis to support Board-level debate and decision-making.
• Transforming planning processes and systems to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Championing best-in-class performance analysis and strategic risk management.
• Developing and mentoring a high-performing FP&A & Business Partnering team.
• Building strong cross-functional relationships to drive collaboration and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with 5+ years leading teams.
• Strong communicator with proven success influencing at Board level.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and tight deadlines, thriving in a fast-paced environment.
• Technically excellent, with the ability to simplify complex financial matters.
• Inspirational leader with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
• First-class written and presentation skills, with a focus on clarity and impact.

Benefits

• Real opportunity to play a key role in a changing and growth culture and shaping how this is set up.
• Fantastic office environment but with very flexible and hybrid working across the board.
• Comprehensive and competitive package. Base salary up to c£80k plus car allowance and benefits.