Commercial Financial Planning Analyst

At OFG, we are on a mission to ensure our colleagues have an amazing work/life balance! 

Job Title: Commercial Financial Planning Analyst

Hours:  37.5 hours per week            

Location:  Bolton

Contract type: Permanent, hybrid working available - minimum 2 days in the office

Salary: Up to £60,000 per annum dependent on experience

Want to earn 100% of your salary and work 20% less hours? We have a great role for you…We are taking part in an ongoing 4 Day working week trial in which you continue to receive your full salary and annual leave entitlement!

We are looking for a Commercial Financial Planning Analystjoin our team and provide high-quality Financial Planning and analysis to the operational, commercial and business development teams to drive performance, understanding and growth. 

In the role as Commercial Financial Planning Analyst, you will build strong relationships with our operational teams within our schools and residential care homes as well as our internal stakeholders and analyse monthly financial results to highlight and comment on key variances to budget or forecast.

You’ll directly support the Head of Financial Planning and Analysis and the Business Intelligence team to implement automated and system driven budgeting and modelling tools.

To be successful in this role you will need:

•    Accounting qualification (for example CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) 
•    Part qualified candidates with significant relevant experience at the latter stages of their accounting qualification would be considered.  
•    Proven ability to influence financial outcomes and work closely with operational managers.
•    Ability to communicate and build relationships with people at different levels.
•    Advanced Excel skills critical – data manipulation (including extraction from financial ledgers), analytical and presentation skills at a level suitable for Executive review.
•    Ability to present complex data and analysis in a high impact visual manner to senior stakeholders, drawing out the key messages and findings.
•    Experience of Access Dimensions would be advantageous, though not essential.
•    Relevant management accounting experience.
•    Working knowledge of MS Office including Microsoft PowerPoint is essential.

We’re looking for a passionate process and detail-driven person with a problem-solving attitude, who is technically strong and comfortable with financial reporting, to help our finance function achieve against key performance indicators and drive a successful recruitment and selection process.

About Finance 

As a centralised function at Outcomes First Group, Finance supports several acquired agencies, over 65 schools and additional schools with accommodation for vulnerable young people, children, and adults. Our Finance team consists of Management Accounts, Transactional Finance and Commercial Finance. 

As one of the largest departments within Outcomes First Group, we are committed to providing a high level of service to work towards our goal of improving those we care for. Joining Finance, you will gain exposure to a variety of scenarios in a fast-paced and high-volume industry, where you will really get the chance to develop your personal and professional skills. 

About the Group

Outcomes First Group is the leading provider of specialist education in the UK. We exist to give neurodivergent children and young people access to a great education that caters to their specific needs, abilities and aspirations.

There are three brands in our Outcomes First family: Acorn Education, Options Autism and Momenta Connect. Together, we educate, care for and support children, young people, and adults across the UK, empowering them to be happy and make their way in the world.

Our Vision
We believe that with a great education, every neurodivergent pupil can thrive and make their way in the world.

Our Mission
Every day we improve the lives of our pupils, their families, and local communities through a relentless focus on wellbeing and learning.

Our Promise
We are kind to ourselves and each other...We work together... and we make things happen.
Our Promise sits alongside our Vision and Mission. It describes the sort of people we are and our commitment to how we treat each other, work together, and behave.  

It represents what’s truly important to us as individuals and as a team. It is easily translatable into behaviours we all practice and experience every day. It's the golden thread that runs through every leader, team and individual.
Why work for us?

Your wellbeing is very important to us, and we know that being able to choose the benefits that suit you and your family will support your wellbeing. 

Whatever your role and wherever you’re located, you’ll love VISTA, our flexible benefits platform which lets you tailor your benefits package. 

And when your circumstances change…no problem. You can flex, trade and add to your benefits package to suit your circumstances. 

• 4 day working week (applicable after probation - T&Cs apply)
• Holidays starting at 25 days per annum with options to buy an additional 5 days 
• Critical illness cover and life assurance options
• Company Pension with options to increase your contributions
• Private medical and dental Insurance
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Eco-Car Scheme 
• “Your Wellbeing Matters"- access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Career development opportunities
• Professional support networks and groups

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Winner UK Best Workplaces for Women™ Awards 2023, for the past 3 years.

Winner UK Great Place to Work™ Awards 2024, for the past 5 years.