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Senior Finance Manager - FP&A

Cheltenham Permanent View Job Description
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.
  • Drive performance through planning, forecasting & business partnering
  • Lead an established FP&A team within a world-class manufacturing environment

About Our Client

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.

Job 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.

The Successful Applicant

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)

What's on 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!

Contact
Richard Farmer
Quote job ref
JN-062026-7052590
Phone number
+44 117 927 1600

Job summary

Job function
Accounting
Subsector
Commercial & Analysis
Sector
Industrial / Manufacturing
Location
Cheltenham
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Richard Farmer
Consultant phone
+44 117 927 1600
Job reference
JN-062026-7052590