Lead FP&A Analyst

Outcomes First Group; Bolton; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

Outcomes First Group in Bolton is seeking a Lead FP&A Analyst to shape planning, performance reporting and strategic decision-making across our multi-site organisation. You will lead the monthly FP&A reporting cycle, develop financial models and provide executive-level insight to senior stakeholders.

Partner with heads of function to drive budgeting, forecasting and continuous improvement of reporting, ensuring data quality and timely challenge of assumptions.

Qualifications

• Experience in FP&A, budgeting, forecasting and commercial finance.
• Strong financial modelling, analysis and data interpretation.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and present insights clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly FP&A reporting cycle with accuracy and timeliness.
• Develop and maintain financial models to inform strategic decisions.
• Partner with senior leaders to challenge assumptions and improve performance.
• Support budgeting and rolling forecasts across multiple business areas.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Financial modelling

Stakeholder management

Presentation skills

Financial analysis

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification

Tools

Power BI

ERP systems

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced FP&A professional to join a growing, multi-site organisation as Lead FP&A Analyst. Reporting into the Head of FP&A, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping financial planning, performance reporting and commercial decision-making across the business. This is a highly visible position, partnering with senior leaders to provide strategic financial insight, improve reporting and lead the planning cycle. You'll also provide day-to-day leadership across FP&A activities, driving continuous improvement, developing financial models and helping to build a best-in-class planning and analysis function.

• Lead the monthly FP&A reporting cycle, ensuring accurate, insightful and timely financial reporting for Executive and Senior Leadership teams.
• Deliver high-quality analysis of financial performance, identifying risks, opportunities and key commercial drivers.
• Produce executive-level reporting packs, dashboards and board-quality commentary.
• Develop financial models and scenario analysis to support strategic business decisions.
• Analyse operational and financial performance, translating complex data into meaningful commercial insight.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting process and rolling forecast cycles across multiple business areas.
• Coordinate planning activities across Finance and operational teams, ensuring consistency, accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
• Challenge assumptions, identify financial risks and provide recommendations to improve performance.
• Develop long-term financial models to support business planning and investment decisions.

Business Partnering

• Act as a trusted Finance Business Partner to senior operational and corporate leaders.
• Provide commercial support to strategic projects, investment cases and business initiatives.
• Influence decision-making through robust financial analysis and constructive challenge.
• Present financial information confidently to senior stakeholders, simplifying complex issues into clear commercial messages.
• Build strong relationships across Finance and the wider business to improve financial understanding and accountability.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Support the Head of FP&A in developing and embedding a high-performing FP&A function.
• Provide coaching and guidance to FP&A Analysts and Finance Business Partners where appropriate.
• Drive continuous improvement across reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling.
• Work alongside Business Intelligence and Finance Systems teams to automate reporting and enhance data quality.
• Champion best practice in financial planning, reporting and analysis.

You'll be an experienced FP&A professional who combines strong technical capability with excellent commercial awareness and stakeholder management skills.

You'll have:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification (or be in the final stages of qualification).
• Significant experience within FP&A, commercial finance or finance business partnering.
• Experience leading budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Advanced Excel skills, including financial modelling, scenario planning and large data analysis.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Experience producing Executive or Board-level reporting.
• A proactive approach with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within a large, multi-site or private equity-backed organisation.
• Experience using Power BI or similar reporting and visualisation tools.
• Knowledge of ERP or finance systems.
• Previous experience mentoring or leading junior finance colleagues.

Salary: Up to £65,000 + Benefits