Head of Financial Planning and Analysis

Sodexo; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global service provider is seeking a Head of Financial Planning and Analysis based in Manchester. The successful candidate will lead a team, oversee management reporting, and provide strategic financial insights to guide organizational decisions. This role requires strong financial acumen and exceptional analytical skills, with a salary offering up to £77,000 plus benefits. Candidates should be qualified accountants and possess excellent communication skills for effective stakeholder management.

Benefits

Sodexo retirement plan

Discounts to over 1,900 brands

Gym discount

24/7 employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ACA / ACCA / CIMA certification.
• Experience in financial planning and operational analysis.
• Strong analytical and modelling skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production of monthly management accounts.
• Ensure timely and reliable management information.
• Assist in creating reports for the Regional Leadership.
• Manage annual and quarterly planning processes.
• Provide strategic and long-term financial planning support.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)

Strong financial acumen

Excellent modelling and financial analytics skills

Interpersonal communication skills

Organisational skills

Ability to navigate through a matrix organization

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Head of Financial Planning and Analysis to lead a small, dynamic team. In this role, you will take ownership of management reporting, oversee financial planning processes and outputs for the region, and provide insightful analysis and decision support to guide strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production of monthly management accounts, including interpretation of results.
• Ensure that all routine management information is produced in a timely manner, contains reliable information which has been agreed by key stakeholders.
• Assist in the production of reports and presentations to the Regional Leadership.
• Ownership of certain reporting processes and requirements.
• Lead a small number of direct reports, including setting objectives, managing/organising work and devoting time to coaching and training.
• Decision support
• Analysing financial and operational results to better understand company performance.
• Use the output of financial models and analysis to support decision making.
• Ensure the integrity of financial models and projections through implementation of suitable controls, documentation, and testing.
• Analyse competitor and market financial information to provide insight.
• Planning
• Manage annual and quarterly planning processes, including setting timetables and sharing assumptions.
• Delivery of consolidated financial plans and tracking of variations.
• Cash forecasting and monitoring.
• Analysis of plans ensuring variances are understood, and risks and opportunities are highlighted.
• Provide strategic and long-term financial planning support.
• Other
• Identifying and implementing efficiency and improvements in processes.
• Custodian of regional master data governance.
• Act as the finance lead / participate in projects as required.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA).
• Strong financial acumen, including technical accounting, finance systems, operational and financial planning.
• Excellent modelling and financial analytics skills.
• Great conceptual thinker.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills (written and verbal).
• Organised and able to build plans to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Takes ownership and initiative.
• Ability to navigate through a matrix organization structure and deliver results in a multi‑stakeholder and consultative culture.
• Flexible and pragmatic.

Benefits

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whatever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice. For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.

Up to £77,000 + Car allowance + Bonus.

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On‑Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we're on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.