Knovia are on a journey of expanding their shared services functions and are looking for a Head of FP&A to join their finance department. In this exciting new role, you will make an impact and be responsible for leading the financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial analysis across the best-in-class companies within the group, in line with the further education sector’s unique funding models, performance metrics, and financial challenges.

You will champion the delivery of high-quality education, impact, growth and change to our chosen sectors within the group, by providing strategic opportunities to shape the overall financial strategy, enhance decision-making, and contribute to our long-term growth and success.

• Lead the development of annual budgets, forecasts and long-term financial plans, ensuring alignment with the group’s strategic objectives, adjusting as necessary
• Work closely with senior leadership, department heads and executive colleagues to create a comprehensive and sustainable financial plan, balancing educational and sector priorities with financial viability
• Ensure that financial resources are allocated efficiently across the group to support key initiatives, reviewing and challenging budget assumptions as required to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Act as a trusted advisor to key stakeholders, providing financial insights and recommending actions to achieve business objectives
• Provide in-depth financial analysis and reports highlighting financial performance, variances, risks, and opportunities
• Prepare regular financial forecasts, advising on potential challenges and providing recommendations to address them
• Analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the FE sector, such as EBITDA and QAR
• Monitor and manage cash flow and reporting, ensuring that all financial planning and reporting comply with government regulations, funding requirements (e.g., Ofsted, Education and Skills Funding Agency or DFE), and accounting standards

What Qualifications We Need From You

• Grade A-C GCSE in English and Maths or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting
• Accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) desirable

Knowledge And Experience

• Demonstrable experience in a senior financial planning & analysis role
• In-depth knowledge and experience of financial planning, analysis, budgeting, and forecasting across a group of companies
• Experience working remotely and completing tasks to a high standard, without close supervision
• Strong understanding of the financial challenges and funding mechanisms ideally related to the Further Education sector
• IT literate with effective MS Office skills including Teams, Excel, Word and Outlook
• Flexible with the ability to travel nationally and commit to potential overnight stays as required

Skills And Abilities Required To Succeed

• Exceptional communication skills – both written and verbal
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to extract meaningful insights from financial data
• Ability to communicate and present complex financial information clearly to non-financial audiences, including senior leadership, executive and board members
• Advanced problem-solving skills, with an awareness of project management techniques