Head of Commercial Finance and FP&A

This is a newly created role, supporting a thriving and profitable, Global research business as they undergo and exciting period of transformation. This is a 12 month contract initially. As a Head of Commercial Finance and FP&A you will play a pivotal role bringing strategic insight, financial expertise, and leadership to help shape the future of the organisation. This is a time of immense possibility, where innovation and forward-thinking will drive the organisation into its next phase of growth and success. Reporting to the Finance Director and Group CFO, this is a brilliant opportunity for someone who enjoys getting out in the business and truly help influence and shape decisions. With this role comes the autonomy to influence key decisions and drive change - turning creative thinking into actionable results Head of Commercial Finance and Financial Planning & Analysis - Responsibilities: • Budgeting and Forecasting: Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes, in collaboration with business units and executive leadership. • Business Partnering: Collaborate with operational leaders, department heads, and project managers to understand drivers of performance and support informed decision-making. • Financial Modelling: Develop and enhance complex financial models for performance tracking, scenario planning, and risk analysis. • Analysis: • Analyse financial and operational results, providing actionable insights and recommendations to improve profitability and efficiency. • Perform variance analysis and collaborate across departments to understand performance drivers. • Analyse actual results against budgets and forecasts to identify and explain variances. • Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data through close collaboration with finance, accounting, and cross-functional teams. • Reporting: Prepare and present regular management/financial reports, dashboards, and board-level financial summaries. Consolidate and prepare financial and operational data from internal and external sources. • Improvements: Drive initiatives to improve financial efficiency, cost optimisation, and profitability. • Ad-hoc Analysis: Lead and coordinate special projects, acquisitions, due diligence, and other ad-hoc requests as needed. Head of Commercial Finance and Financial Planning & Analysis- Experience: • Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience. • Proven track record in FP&A or senior finance roles in complex, fast-paced environments • Technical Proficiency: Mastery of Excel, financial modelling, and data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau); strong ERP system experience • Industry Exposure: Experience in a relevant industry (e.g., research, SaaS, DaaS, professional services, marketing services etc.) preferred • Business Partnering: Thrives on building relationships with key internal stakeholders, become a trusted advisor to colleagues with ability to influence senior as well as junior team members. Experience of building a visible profile across businesses • Analytical Skills: Advanced quantitative and qualitative analytical abilities; strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and curiosity. • Project Management: Strong organisational skills; experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced setting • Available on shorter notice and able to start work in July Director of Financial Planning and Analysis - Package: • Salary - £80-100,000 • Full benefits package • Hybrid - 2-3 days in the office (Central London) • 12 month contract