Senior Finance Manager – FP&A

Senior Finance Manager – FP&A Overview

The Senior Finance Manager – FP&A is responsible for leading planning, forecasting, budgeting and performance reporting across the business. Working closely with the CFO and operational leaders, the role provides financial insight to support strategic decision-making and business performance.

Client Details

Our client is a globally recognised aerospace and engineering organisation, operating within a highly regulated, safety-critical environment and supporting some of the world’s leading aircraft programmes. With a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, innovation and operational performance, the business continues to invest in its people, technology and future growth.

This opportunity has arisen following an internal promotion, reflecting a culture that genuinely develops talent and creates opportunities for career progression.

Description

• Lead financial planning, analysis and reporting for a key business area, providing accurate insight to support strategic decision-making.
• Own weekly P&L and cash forecasting, ensuring accuracy, quality and timely delivery.
• Lead quarterly forecasting for the current year and Year+1, incorporating inputs from operational, supply chain and finance stakeholders.
• Challenge assumptions and provide meaningful variance analysis against forecast, prior year and prior periods.
• Coordinate monthly forecast cycles, producing clear commentary to explain financial performance and key drivers.
• Partner with business leaders to identify performance gaps and develop action plans to improve results.
• Lead the annual budget and long‑range planning processes, ensuring alignment with business strategy and operational objectives.
• Own divisional month‑end reporting, delivering high‑quality financial reporting and insight to the CFO and senior leadership team.
• Work closely with Financial Control to ensure an accurate and timely month‑end close.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of two FP&A Analysts.
• Build strong relationships across Finance and the wider business, providing commercial support and financial challenge.
• Support investment appraisals, commercial approvals and wider business initiatives.
• Act as deputy to the CFO when required.
• Drive continuous improvement across FP&A processes, reporting quality, planning cycles and financial systems.

Profile

Essential Skills and Experience

• FP&A experience gained within a complex production or manufacturing environment. Ideally within a regulated safety critical environment – e.g. aviation, defence, automotive etc
• A high level of business acumen – with a demonstrated ability to understand and influence revenue, margin, and cash drivers in a relevant industry
• Strong financial modelling, P&L/BS/CF, variance analysis, and KPI dashboarding; advanced Excel; familiarity with ERP and planning tools
• Demonstrated experience in FP&A, financial forecasting, budgeting, and performance analysis
• Strong communication and storytelling with data; can simplify complex analyses for non‑finance stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or other business‑related field and strong progressive accounting or finance experience
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to link operational drivers to financial outcomes
• Demonstrable ability to challenge assumptions and influence cross‑functional stakeholders
• Experience leading and developing finance professionals – this position will have two direct reports, so requires strong people leadership experience
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high‑quality outputs within tight timeframes
• Continuous improvement mindset with familiarity in modern FP&A tools (preferred)
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Desired Characteristics

• Deep knowledge of IFRS and US GAAP Accounting
• Deep knowledge on Long Range accounting
• Deep knowledge of accounting closing processes and procedures
• Strong commercial acumen and deal orientated approach
• Adaptable/Flexible: being open to change in response to new information, different or unexpected circumstances, and/or to work in complex situations
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, properly manage priorities and drive execution
• Advance computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite (excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.)
• ERP systems knowledge (Oracle/HFM)
• Sound understanding of global process and transactional flows
• Experience working in a matrixed environment
• Chartered Accountant (FCMA/CGMA/CPA)

Job Offer

• Competitive salary ranging up to £85,000 per annum.
• Comprehensive benefits package including
  • Car allowance (circa £7k)
  • Non contributory pension scheme (12%)
  • Annual bonus – circa 15%
  • Life Assurance
  • Group income protection
  • Private medical cover
  • Generous holiday allowance with option to buy/sell
• Opportunity to work in the thriving business with outstanding local reputation.
• Permanent position based in Cheltenham, offering a stable and supportive work environment.
• Potential for career progression and professional development.

If you are ready to take the next step in your finance career, we encourage you to apply for the Senior Finance Manager – FP&A role in Cheltenham today!

#J-18808-Ljbffr…