Principal Financial Analyst, Fp&A

Datasite; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Datasite in London is seeking a Principal Financial Analyst, FP&A, to lead complex modeling, forecasting, and decision-support for assigned areas. This senior IC partners with Finance leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to evaluate performance, identify risks and opportunities, and support strategic decisions.

The role drives annual planning, maintains driver-based models, and delivers executive-ready analyses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• MBA, CPA, CFA, or similar advanced credential preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in Finance, Accounting, FP&A, or related analytical role.
• Significant experience with financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting, planning, and financial modeling.
• Experience preparing materials and insights for senior leadership.
• Experience with financial systems, planning tools, and ERP/reporting platforms preferred.
• Knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and financial statement relationships preferred.
• Expert-level financial modeling and analytical skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; strong PowerPoint and executive presentation skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex data into clear insights, recommendations, and business narratives.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to lead through influence without direct authority.
• High intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage ambiguity, prioritize effectively, and deliver high-quality work under tight timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex financial modeling, scenario analysis, and decision-support work for assigned areas or enterprise-level initiatives.
• Own high-visibility FP&A deliverables, including management reporting, forecast analysis, operating reviews, and executive-ready materials.
• Develop and maintain driver-based models for forecasting, budgeting, long-range planning, and performance management.
• Analyze financial results, operating metrics, business trends, and KPIs to identify actionable insights.
• Partner with Finance leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to evaluate performance, investment decisions, resource allocation, and strategic initiatives.
• Lead annual planning and recurring forecast processes for assigned areas, including assumption review, variance analysis, and risk/opportunity assessment.
• Support full financial statement forecasting, including P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and covenant-related analysis as needed.
• Review and improve reporting packages, models, templates, and analytical standards to ensure consistency and quality.
• Mentor analysts and provide guidance on modeling, reporting, variance analysis, and business communication.
• Partner with Accounting and Finance teams on close-related analysis, accrual review, and forecast-to-actual performance.
• Identify and lead process improvements that strengthen planning accuracy, reporting efficiency, data quality, and financial insight.
• Support financial systems, reporting automation, and data transformation initiatives.

Skills

Advanced Excel

PowerPoint

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Leadership without authority

Analytical skills

Business acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics

MBA/CPA/CFA

Tools

ERP systems

Planning tools

Job description

Job Description:

The Principal Financial Analyst, FP&A is a senior individual contributor responsible for leading complex financial analysis, modeling, forecasting, and decision-support activities. This role serves as an FP&A subject matter expert for assigned areas and partners with Finance leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to evaluate performance, identify risks and opportunities, and support strategic decision-making. The Principal Financial Analyst leads high-impact analytical workstreams, improves FP&A processes, and provides informal leadership and mentorship to other analysts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex financial modeling, scenario analysis, and decision-support work for assigned areas or enterprise-level initiatives.

• Own high-visibility FP&A deliverables, including management reporting, forecast analysis, operating reviews, and executive-ready materials.

• Develop and maintain driver-based models for forecasting, budgeting, long-range planning, and performance management.

• Analyze financial results, operating metrics, business trends, and key performance indicators to identify actionable insights.

• Partner with Finance leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to evaluate business performance, investment decisions, resource allocation, and strategic initiatives.

• Lead annual planning and recurring forecast processes for assigned areas, including assumption review, variance analysis, and risk/opportunity assessment.

• Support full financial statement forecasting, including P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and covenant-related analysis as needed.

• Review and improve reporting packages, models, templates, and analytical standards to ensure consistency and quality.

• Mentor analysts and provide guidance on modeling, reporting, variance analysis, and business communication.

• Partner with Accounting and Finance teams on close-related analysis, accrual review, and forecast-to-actual performance.

• Identify and lead process improvements that strengthen planning accuracy, reporting efficiency, data quality, and financial insight.

• Support financial systems, reporting automation, and data transformation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.

• MBA, CPA, CFA, or similar advanced credential preferred.

• 7+ years of progressive experience in Finance, Accounting, FP&A, or related analytical role.

• Significant experience with financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting, planning, and financial modeling.

• Experience preparing materials and insights for senior leadership.

• Experience with financial systems, planning tools, and ERP/reporting platforms preferred.

• Knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and financial statement relationships preferred.

• Expert-level financial modeling and analytical skills.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; strong PowerPoint and executive presentation skills.

• Ability to synthesize complex data into clear insights, recommendations, and business narratives.

• Strong business acumen and ability to connect financial results to operational drivers.

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Ability to lead through influence without direct authority.

• High intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and strong problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage ambiguity, prioritize effectively, and deliver high-quality work under tight timelines.

Work Location & Flexibility

• This role follows a hybrid work model and is open to candidates based near our London office. Employees are expected to work on-site a minimum of two days per week.

• Flexible work hours may be required at times to support critical deadlines, planning cycles, global stakeholders, or business needs. Travel may be required occasionally based on business needs.

Our company is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce where all individuals are respected and valued. We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are dedicated to building teams that reflect the diversity of our communities.