FP&A Manager (3 Months initially)
Hybrid, on site in Central London 2 days per week
Competitive Day Rate (Inside IR35)
A major UK retailer requires an Interim FP&A Manager to support the annual operating plan and a 3‑year strategic planning cycle. You will partner with senior finance and commercial leaders, and deliver robust, board‑ready financial models and analysis that directly inform decisions by the Operating Board. Immediate availability is preferred; candidates able to start by early February at the latest are welcome.
Core responsibilities
* Design, build and maintain integrated financial models (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) to support the 3‑year strategy and the annual operating plan.
* Develop investment appraisal models (NPV, IRR, payback) and run scenario, sensitivity and downside analyses for capital allocation decisions.
* Produce clear, executive‑quality Operating Board packs and model backups (slide summaries + supporting schedules).
* Translate commercial plans (pricing, promotions, fulfillment, inventory) into financial forecasts and quantify commercial implications and trade‑offs.
* Support reforecasting and month‑end FP&A activities tied to the planning cycle as required.
* Ensure model governance and auditability: maintain assumptions log, version control, clear inputs/outputs and modelling best practice.
* Provide ad hoc analysis on margin, promotions, demand drivers and operational options.
* Work collaboratively with central FP&A, Data/BI and commercial leads to reconcile inputs and ensure timely access to source data.
Essential skills & experience
* 5+ years’ FP&A experience with at least 2 years at Finance Manager / senior analyst level (or equivalent interim experience).
* Strong financial modelling: integrated 3‑statement models, scenario/sensitivity analysis and investment appraisal.
* Recent retail or commercial finance experience (consumer retail, omnichannel or grocery preferred).
* Advanced Excel skills; familiarity with Power Query, Power BI or VBA advantageous.
* Proven experience presenting analysis to senior stakeholders (Heads of function / Operating Board).
* Strong written and verbal communication; ability to produce concise, board‑quality materials.
* Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or related discipline. Professional qualification (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) desirable.
Desirable
* Experience of SAP/Oracle or similar ERP/reporting tools.
* Prior interim/secondment experience in fast‑moving retail.
* Experience in promotional modelling, multi‑channel demand forecasting or fulfilment/capacity modelling.