A data-driven finance role suited for analytical thinkers who enjoy influencing strategy and performance, the FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis) Manager leads forecasting, budgeting and long-term planning. This leadership position is ideal for professionals ready to drive business strategy, lead planning cycles and partner with stakeholders to guide decision-making through financial insights.What is FP&A?FP&A is focused on analysing financial performance and helping leadership make informed decisions. It involves budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and strategic financial modelling. Unlike traditional accounting, FP&A is forward-looking, focusing on interpreting trends and advising on financial direction.Key responsibilitiesPrepare budgets, forecasts, and financial modelsConduct variance analysis and performance trackingDeliver regular reports to senior leadership and stakeholdersAnalyse business trends and provide insights to support strategySupport scenario planning and long-range forecastingManage the financial planning and reporting timetable to ensure accuracy and timely deliveryBackground and experienceFully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)Experience in financial analysis, budgeting or commercial financeExcellent Excel skills and proficiency with BI tools (e.g. Power BI, Tableau)Strong interpersonal skills and business acumenComfortable working with large data sets and summarising key findingsTeam structureHead of FP&As often report to the Finance Director or CFO, and work closely with:Commercial Finance teamsBusiness Unit LeadersSenior Management and Strategy TeamsData and Business Intelligence teamsControllership and group finance teamsThe FP&A Manager role provides visibility across the business and typically leads a team of analysts while collaborating closely with commercial and operational leads.What makes the role rewarding?This role offers a unique combination of strategic influence and analytical depth. According to Robert Half, FP&A Managers are among the highest-paid roles in finance for 2025, reflecting their critical role in steering business performance and strategy:Tangible impact on business performance and directionBroad exposure to commercial decision-makingDevelopment of highly transferable modelling and forecasting skillsClear routes into senior finance and leadership positionsRead more about the highest paying jobs in FinanceFuture-focused skills and developmentFP&A roles are evolving with the rise of digital tools and data analytics. Key skills to develop include:Financial modelling and sensitivity analysisData visualisation and dashboarding (e.g. Power BI, Tableau)Strategic planning and stakeholder communicationForecasting automation and predictive analyticsHow industry affects the roleFP&A Managers bring value in every sector but may focus on different metrics and deliverables:Retail and consumer goods: Margin, inventory, sales performance, and channel financeTech and SaaS: Recurring revenue models, customer metricsManufacturing: Cost control, production forecastingProfessional services: Billable hours, utilisation and resource planningRole differences by company sizeStartups/SMEs: Involved in all aspects of planning and analysisEnterprises: Focused on specific divisions, regions, or P&Ls with deeper specialisationSought-after benefitsFP&A professionals often look for benefits that support work-life balance and career growth:Hybrid or remote working optionsPerformance bonuses and share schemesTraining budgets and professional developmentAccess to advanced analytics tools and platformsCareer progressionFP&A Managers often progress to senior leadership positions within the finance function, such as:Head of FP&ADirector of Financial Planning & AnalysisFinance DirectorHead of Commercial FinanceSenior Finance Business PartnerWith a proven track record, they may also transition into executive-level roles including Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or move into strategic and operational leadership roles outside traditional finance, such as Chief Strategy Officer or General Manager.
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