Role description
The FP&A Senior Manager leads financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting for the Academy and its trading subsidiary, AMSTL.
The role provides the financial analysis that underpins strategic decision-making, financial sustainability and operational effectiveness.
They are the Academy's senior specialist in financial planning, and their analysis and advice inform decisions by the Executive Leadership Team, Finance Committee and Council on long-term priorities and resource allocation.
About the role
Costing and Cost Recovery
Design, build and maintain the Academy’s cost recovery and allocation model, so that every bid, grant application and partnership is costed on a full cost recovery basis.
Lead the financial work on costed proposals and funding negotiations with major funders, including government.
Financial Planning and Forecasting
Lead the annual budget process across the Academy and AMSTL, setting the budget against the Academy’s strategic priorities.
Coordinate quarterly reforecasts and longer-term financial planning.
Produce scenario modelling and sensitivity analysis to support strategic decisions.
Management Reporting and Analysis
Produce monthly management accounts and performance reports.
Provide clear commentary and recommendations to senior leaders.
Identify trends, risks and opportunities affecting financial sustainability.
Business Partnering
Work with Directors and Heads so that budget holders understand their financial position and use it in their planning and decisions.
Deliver financial training and guidance to non-finance colleagues.
Support departmental planning and investment decisions.
Funding and Grant Management
Prepare budgets for funding applications and tenders.
Monitor restricted funds and ensure compliance with grant conditions.
Assist with funder reports, claims and financial returns.
Financial Modelling and Strategic Support
Develop business cases for new projects, services and investments.
Support organisational change initiatives through financial analysis.
Provide financial analysis for Finance Committee and Council papers.
Cash Flow and Financial Sustainability
Maintain cash flow forecasts and liquidity analysis.
Monitor reserves and support compliance with the charity's reserves policy.
Identify financial risks and recommend mitigation actions.
Year End and Audit
Provide planning and forecasting input to the annual accounts and the external audit.
Leadership
Lead cross-organisational financial planning activities and coordinate contributions from budget holders and senior managers.
Coach and develop financial management capability across the Academy.
Advise Directors and Heads on the financial implications of their plans, risks and performance.
Lead finance-related projects and continuous improvement initiatives, bringing together colleagues from across departments.
Contribute to the development of finance policies, frameworks and organisational best practice.
Qualifications and Experience
Hold a recognised UK accounting qualification, with strong technical accounting knowledge.
Extensive experience in managing financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and variance analysis.
Experience of building costing or full cost recovery models for grant-funded work, ideally in a charity or research organisation.
Credibility with external funders, including experience of presenting and negotiating costed proposals.
A good practical understanding of charity trading subsidiary accounting.
Strong understanding of internal controls, financial governance and regulatory compliance within the charity sector.
Strong Microsoft Office skills, including advanced Excel capability; experience of iPlicit or similar finance systems would be desirable.
Experience of improving processes, strengthening controls, streamlining ways of working and supporting automation where appropriate.
A fair, respectful and inclusive approach to working with others.
Awareness of the Academy’s reputation and strategic direction, with the ability to identify value-adding improvements in day-to-day work.
Benefits
We offer a competitive and evolving benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, development and work–life balance.