Head of Group FP&A

A&O Shearman; London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global law firm is seeking a Head of FP&A to join their Finance team in London. This critical role involves leading the Group FP&A team, managing financial planning and analysis, and working directly with senior stakeholders. The position offers significant responsibility in shaping the firm’s financial strategy while fostering a collaborative environment and requires a qualified accountant with extensive experience in finance.

Benefits

Pension benefits

Medical resources

Wellbeing services

Parental leave

Holiday benefits

Qualifications

• At least ten years PQE in finance or commercial roles.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguity.
• Experience in a global professional services organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Group FP&A team and act as a financial advisor.
• Manage annual budget, forecasts, and the three-year Investment Plan.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to deliver financial strategies.

Skills

Financial expertise

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Relationship-building

Education

ACA or equivalent qualification

Job description

Job description

We are recruiting for a Head of FP&A to join our Finance team in London.

Department purpose

Achieving the firm’s strategy requires a world-class Finance department to work with decision makers. Our teams add value through services provided, managing compliance, and offering information and insights. This is achieved by having a collaborative and high-performing team that builds relationships with Partners and other decision-makers, fostering trust to advise on commercial, financial, and technical matters.

Role purpose

Lead the Group FP&A team and act as a financial advisor to the business within the Group Finance Team. The role requires a senior qualified accountant with broad finance experience, particularly in business performance and planning. Responsibilities and deliverables will adapt based on business demands and ongoing finance initiatives. Regular responsibilities align with the firm’s annual processes.

Role and responsibilities

Strategy and Finance Leadership

• Support the delivery of the firm’s strategic objectives and finance strategy.
• Collaborate with the Head of Strategic Investment to develop robust financial planning and analysis methods.
• Provide well-considered financial advice for leadership decision-making, staying at the forefront of FP&A methodologies.
• Take a proactive, long-term approach to business improvement projects, demonstrating thought leadership and considering wider business impacts.
• Present initiatives to stakeholders and secure buy-in.
• Collaborate with Heads across the Group Finance team on joint projects.
• Lead and manage the Group FP&A team.

Role Content

• Participate in setting the global finance strategy, operational decisions, and people development as a member of the leadership team.
• Conduct business financial performance analysis, reporting insights to leadership and escalating issues.
• Manage the annual budget, forecasts, and the three-year Investment Plan, including the associated software systems.
• Develop and deliver financial information with business narratives to support executive decisions, considering external market conditions.
• Collaborate with Practice Group COOs and Regional CFOs to deliver insights.
• Lead finance work streams on firm-wide projects such as new offices, restructuring, and closures.
• Act as a finance ambassador on cross-functional projects and business change initiatives.
• Provide FP&A training to the global finance community and fee earner training to enhance financial awareness.

Team management and leadership

• Set team strategy, goals, and objectives; lead change and ambition within the team.
• Manage team performance, ensuring responsibilities are met throughout the planning cycle.
• Seek continual improvement through technology, procedural, and process enhancements.
• Develop talent to prepare future leaders.
• Mentor and develop the team, fostering engagement and inclusion.
• Build strong relationships within the Group Finance team.

Competencies for success

This role involves strategic discussions with senior stakeholders, requiring a thorough understanding of the business, market, and sector practices. Key competencies include:

• ACA or equivalent qualification with at least ten years PQE in finance or commercial roles.
• Blend of financial expertise, stakeholder management, strategic thinking, and thought leadership.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and in a consultative environment.
• Credibility working with senior stakeholders.
• Resilience, proactivity, and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Ability to develop strategic processes from scratch and embed them.
• Collaborative team player with strong relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with technology and innovative approaches.
• Experience in a global professional services organization, preferably in a head office or group function.

We are committed to inclusion and support for candidates with disabilities or health conditions. Our benefits include pension, insurance, medical resources, wellbeing services, parental leave, holiday benefits, and more. Our hybrid working model requires a minimum of 60% office presence (about three days per week).

Additional info: A&O Shearman is a global law firm with nearly 50 offices worldwide, providing expert legal services in diverse markets. We offer exceptional career opportunities, training, and an inclusive environment where you can thrive and deliver outstanding outcomes.