Description
Summary
This role is to produce high quality, engaging financial reports, using planning, forecasting, and analysis to enable the influence of decision makers to support better financial decisions and drive improved business performance.
To ensure robust communication links with all of Finance as well as non-finance senior management.
To be a catalyst for improvements in financial reporting, analysis and control, across investment programmes and business as usual, by understanding the business and customer need and developing new ideas and solutions, to continuously improve financial decision making.
To display leadership skills by coaching and mentoring team members to develop their capabilities and performance.Key Accountabilities
Produce the Financials around the short term and long term planning and forecast, working closely with key input providers and customers. Provide clear storytelling, financial risks and opportunities assessment, sensitivity & scenario analysis with clear assumptions and key insights.
Produce and continually develop the “In year” forecast process with a robust risks and opportunities process. Identify clear action and KPI’s to improve business performance and ensure ownership within the organisation. Work closely with the Financial accounting, treasury and reporting team in an efficient and informative way.
To model leadership behaviours with confidence and to get the very best from team colleagues, peers and manager by providing clarity and feedback, while continuously seeking to enhance own performance in line with business objectives. Share knowledge and mentor team members to develop overall departmental financial and leadership capabilities. Encourage honest and open conversations with two way feedback to support our individual and team development plans.
To be a catalyst for improvements in financial reporting, analysis and control, across investment programmes and business as usual, by understanding the business and customer need and developing new ideas and solutions, to continuously improve financial decision making.
Produce high quality financial forecasting, performance measures and benefits realisation plans for projects, bids and contracts, across the business working closely with key stakeholders.
Influence the business with clear financial analysis and presentations to support decision making.
Produce the short and medium term cash flow forecast with clear analysis and storytelling to continuously improve the report and financial decision making.
Work with other business areas to lead the standardisation of reports and tools with clear communication and training to support a self serve capability within the business.
Pro-actively seek to continually improve business process, quality and behaviour in relation to financial awareness across the business able to interpret and communicate financial data to non-financial managers.
To be involved in cross functional Finance projects to deliver in line with the Finance vision and AQA values and leadership behaviours.
Step up to cover the Senior FP&A manager where needed.
To lead by example with AQA values and behaviours.
General Accountabilities
To comply with all AQA’s policies and other legislative requirements, including but not limited to HSE, Equal Opportunities and ISMS.
Where business needs change, to undertake other responsibilities which are of a commensurate level outside the terms of this role profile.
Person Profile
Knowledge
Extensive knowledge of Financial Planning & Analysis methodologies and techniques - A/I
Strong use of Excel, Microsoft Office and financial modelling - A/I/P
Qualification
Fully qualified accountant with a minimum of three years post qualification experience - A
Skills
Exceptional critical evaluation and analytical skills - I/P
Able to take initiative and proactively lead projects, influencing and challenging business leaders using expertise and the highly developed communication skills required to advise non-finance colleagues - I/P
Outstanding consulting and negotiating skills - I/P
Comfortable with product profitability and portfolio modelling - I/P
Robust commercial acumen. - I/P
Strong project management skills, able to manage multiple objectives - I/P
Skilled in the use of financial systems and tools including ERP - A/I/P
Able to constructively challenge status quo and manage conflict - I/P
Ability to operate autonomously, an inspiring self-starter demonstrating passion, energy and drive. - I/P
Able to identify and lead initiatives to continually improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the department and service offering - I/P
Strong presentations which translate complex financial information into key insights that drive decision making - I/P
Collaborative worker with a flexible approach able to adapt easily to change - I/P
Leadership skills
Ability to translate a vision into achievable goals and provide clear direction to achieve organisational objectives - I/P
Inspire and motivate team members and other colleagues - I/P
Ability to lead by example to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a range of partners and stakeholders - I/P
Experience
Extensive experience of Finance Planning & Analysis within a dynamic organisation, including, but not limited to, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, financial planning and cost and service optimisation - A/I/P
Comprehensive experience of business partnering in a commercial environment - A/I/P
Proven success of stakeholder engagement and management - A/I/P
AQA’s Behaviour Framework which is assessed through the selection/probation process
Assessment key (criteria to be assessed at the selection stage)
A – application (it is essential to provide evidence on application for shortlisting purposes)
I - interview
T – test (or work sample)
P – probation