FP & A Manager - Inside IR35

FP & A Manager Rate - £550 - £650 (a day) Location - Uxbridge (Hybrid) Duration - 3 Months (Initially) IR35 - Inside (Must use an umbrella company) The FP&A Lead will play a key role in budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling and management reporting. You will work closely with academic and operational stakeholders to provide meaningful analyses that support strategic and financial planning. Key ResponsibilitiesBudgeting & Forecasting • Lead the annual budget and multi-year forecast cycles across departments. • Work with academic and support service leaders to prepare accurate, timely budgets. • Develop rolling forecasts and scenario models considering student numbers, funding shifts, and operational costs. Financial Planning & Analysis • Produce clear financial analysis to inform strategic planning and investment decisions. • Undertake variance analysis, cost reviews, trend analysis and KPI tracking. • Identify risks, opportunities and cost-saving initiatives. Management Reporting • Prepare monthly management accounts packs, including commentary for senior leadership. • Present financial insights to non-financial stakeholders in a clear and accessible way. • Develop dashboards and visual reports using Excel, Power BI, or similar tools. Data & Performance Analysis • Analyse student volume trends, funding models, grants and tuition revenue projections. • Use data to support resource allocation, workforce planning and performance improvement. • Maintain strong data integrity and ensure reporting accuracy. Financial Modelling • Build and maintain financial models to support long-term planning, investment appraisal and strategic projects. • Support business cases for new initiatives, curriculum expansion or capital investments. Process Improvement • Streamline financial processes and reporting frameworks. • Support automation of budgeting, reporting and data analysis. Skills & Experience RequiredEssential • Strong experience in budgeting, financial planning and analysis. • Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, modelling, scenario analysis). • Proven ability to interpret and analyse complex financial data. • Experience producing management accounts or management information reports. • Excellent communication skills, particularly with non-finance stakeholders. • Strong commercial awareness within education funding models (schools, FE, HE or training providers). Desirable • Experience using Power BI or other BI tools. • Experience in the education sector (schools, MATs, colleges, universities, or training organisations). • Knowledge of financial regulations relevant to the education environment. • Part-qualified or qualified: ACCA / CIMA / ACA (or equivalent). Qualifications • Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or related field. • Professional finance qualification (full or part-qualified) preferred.