Senior Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Manager; Systems & Reporting Lead

Bolton Office; Bolton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading finance organization in Bolton is seeking an experienced FP&A Manager. This role involves delivering high-quality financial analysis and reporting to support business performance. Ideal candidates are fully qualified accountants with over 5 years of FP&A experience and strong financial modeling skills. Join a supportive team committed to professional development and collaboration, with an exceptional benefits package offered.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Family Growth Support

Flexible Benefits Platform

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in FP&A or Commercial Finance.
• Ability to present complex information clearly to senior stakeholders.
• Solid grounding in management accounting and planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead periodic management reporting and analysis.
• Coordinate and deliver the UK annual budgeting cycle.
• Support the implementation of system-driven solutions for reporting.

Skills

Financial modelling

Analytical problem-solving

Presentation skills

Attention to detail

Education

Fully qualified accountant (CIMA / ACCA / ACA or equivalent)

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

The role

Deliver high-quality forecasting, analysis and reporting that drive business performance. Act as a trusted FP&A manager, financial modeller and business partner to senior leaders, providing clear, actionable insight that supports divisional and Group decision‑making.

What you\'ll do :

Financial Performance & Analysis

• Lead periodic management reporting and analysis, ensuring timely, accurate results to internal stakeholders.
• Support senior leadership with insight, challenge and recommendations aligned to strategic and operational objectives.
• Manage KPI reporting for relevant divisions, highlighting trends, risks and opportunities.
• Build and maintain robust financial models to support initiatives and business cases.
• Provide variance analysis vs budget / forecast with clear commentary and actions.

Deliver high-impact ad-hoc analysis as requested by the Head of FP&A / Finance Director.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Coordinate and deliver the UK annual budgeting cycle with the FP&A team, aligning to divisional goals and Group timelines.
• Drive the quarterly reforecast process in partnership with Finance and BI to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Maintain and improve the planning model and underlying KPI assumptions to ensure data integrity and consistency.

Monitor performance vs budget / forecast and recommend corrective actions.

Systems & Automation

• Support the implementation and enhancement of system-driven solutions for reporting, budgeting and modelling in partnership with the Head of FP&A and BI.
• Continuously improve processes, standardise reporting packs and automate repeatable tasks.

Manage distribution of dashboards and results through systems and automation.

Business Partnering / Customer Service

• Build strong working relationships with senior leaders and operational teams; act as the first point of contact for finance queries within remit.
• Provide timely monthly reports / scorecards (with BI support) and improve financial awareness through guidance and training where needed.
• Model a positive, professional and collaborative approach within Finance.

What we\'re looking for :

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (CIMA / ACCA / ACA or equivalent).
• 5+ years’ FP&A / Commercial Finance experience.
• Advanced financial modelling, budgeting and forecasting (Excel and / or BI tools).
• Strong analytical problem-solving with high attention to detail.
• Ability to present complex information clearly to senior stakeholders; strong executive-ready slide skills (PowerPoint).

Solid grounding in management accounting and planning.

Desirable

• Experience improving / standardising reporting processes and automation.
• Exposure to tools such as Planning Analytics, Power BI, Tableau or Cognos.
• Experience in a PE-backed environment.
• Experience mentoring or informally coaching team members.

Why join Outcomes First Group?

About the Group

Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high quality special needs education and care. We are a vital part of local communities in England, Scotland and Wales with a renowned reputation for quality and positive outcomes for the people we educate and care for.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Our divisional brands include Acorn Education, Options Autism, Blenheim Schools and Momenta Connect.

Our Vision

Empower every child, whatever their ability, with a world-class education that nurtures potential, inspires lifelong learning, and equips them to thrive in a diverse and evolving world.

Our Mission

We commit to unlocking our pupils’ potential through personalised learning, innovation, and opportunity, supporting growth and aspirations.

OurPromise

We Listen.

We never assume.

We work together.

To make the remarkable happen.

We are accountable.

To each other and for one another.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including :

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including :

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover

We are committed tosafeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks.

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Please note: 4DWW is subject to successful completion of your probation period and is not a contractual benefit.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.