Full job descriptionThe 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!