Financial Planning & Analysis Manager

We are partnering with a high-growth, private equity backed group of independent schools in London to recruit a commercially driven Financial Planning & Analysis Manager. This role is paying £60,000 - £70,000 per annum. Note, it is critical you have previously worked within a private equity backed environment.

This organisation is a fast-growing group of independent schools in the UK backed by private equity investors, focused on building a premium, multi-site education platform. It operates a portfolio of schools that typically combine strong academic performance with modern facilities and a broad co-curricular offering.

The model is centred on acquiring, integrating, and improving schools while preserving their individual identities and educational standards. From a strategic perspective, the business is driven by value creation typical of private equity ownership, growing pupil numbers, optimising fee structures, improving operational efficiency, and expanding through acquisitions.

There is usually a strong emphasis on data, performance tracking, and central support functions to enhance outcomes across the group. Culturally, they are fast-paced and evolving, sitting somewhere between traditional education and corporate performance-driven businesses.

If you're considering joining a business like this, the appeal is typically exposure to strategy, M&A activity, and board-level decision-making, but it also comes with the intensity and accountability that private equity ownership brings.

The Financial Planning & Analysis Manager is central to driving financial performance, supporting strategic decision-making, and delivering high-quality insights to senior leadership and investors. This position offers direct exposure to operational leaders, making it ideal for a high calibre finance leader seeking impact, visibility, and progression in a fast-paced PE environment.

• Lead the financial planning and analysis cycle, including annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and long-range planning.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to provide financial insights that support strategic decision-making.
• Develop and maintain financial models to evaluate business performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Deliver timely and accurate management reporting, including variance analysis and key performance indicators.
• Analyse financial results, identify trends, and provide actionable recommendations to improve performance.
• Support month-end and year-end processes, working closely with accounting teams.
• Drive improvements in reporting processes, tools, and data quality to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Prepare presentations and reports for executive leadership and board-level discussions.
• Monitor costs, revenues, and profitability across departments or business units.
• Ensure financial plans align with organisational goals and market conditions.

Financial Planning & Analysis Manager:

• Qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CGMA/CIMA) or equivalent.
• It is essential you have worked in a private equity backed organisation.
• Proven experience in FP&A, financial modelling, or commercial finance roles.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Advanced Excel skills, experience with financial systems and reporting tools is advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial information to non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong business partnering experience and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail with a proactive and problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Commercially aware with a strategic mindset.
• Experience in process improvement or transformation initiatives is a plus.

£60,000 - £70,000 per annum.

Hybrid working.

Annual leave package.

Pension.

Central London offices close to transport links.

Why Join?

• Key role in a high-growth PE-backed business.
• Exposure to senior leadership and investors.
• Opportunity to influence strategic decisions.
• Dynamic and entrepreneurial culture.

EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.