Head of Financial Planning

We are Applus+ , one of the world's leading testing, inspection and certification companies, with a presence in more than 65 countries on 5 continents and a team of more than 25,000 people. During the last years we have experienced a great development thanks to our human team that we consider to be a key and strategic piece in the development of our company. Would you like to be part of the project? We are seeking a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis to join our Corporate Finance team. This role will lead the centralised efforts to engage with each of the business divisions and other stakeholders to deliver against the key responsibilities as set out below. Key responsibilities Data analysis and reporting Gather, analyse and interpret financial data from various sources Prepare and present financial reports, analysis, budgets and forecasts to management and stakeholders Identify trends, patterns and potential risks and opportunities Standardise the approach to data analysis across the Group to provide for comparative assessment of performance between locations, geographies and divisions, where relevant Develop reporting tools, including key performance indicators that assist with the achievement of key business objectives Optimise the use of business systems (both financial and operational) to automate these tools and analyses to capture and present business critical operational and financial information on a consistent basis throughout the organisation and in real time where possible Financial modelling and forecasting Develop and maintain financial models to support planning, budgeting and forecasting Conduct scenario analysis and sensitivity analysis testing to assess potential impacts and mitigations Investment analysis and recommendation Evaluate investment opportunities and provide recommendations based on financial analysis Monitor investment performance and evaluate management action plans Specifically for M&A activity, provide analysis and recommendations to drive post-acquisition performance versus the approved business case Financial planning, budgeting and performance Assist in the development and implementation of financial plans and budgets Track actual performance against budget and prior years performance and identify variances, their drivers and emerging trends Assess the robustness of the response of the business to the management of emerging trends with a view to the optimisation of financial results Business acumen, business engagement and problem solving Understand the business environment and industry trends across the Group and apply this understanding to the task at hand Benchmark the Group and its divisions against available competitor analytics and apply the results to identify opportunities to improve business performance Identify and analyse management task (performance optimisation actions) and validate plans – assist in the monitoring of agreed action plans Communicate financial information and analysis clearly and concisely to various audiences at varying levels across the Group Become the business champion for all matters related to FP&A – lead all efforts across the Group related to the responsibilities as set out and collaborate in a manner that encourages active participation from stakeholders across the Group. Required skills Analytical and numerical skills – strong ability to analyse data, identify trends and draw conclusions - apply data to assist management to drive business performance Problem-solving skills – ability to identify and resolve complex financial issues and provide a framework in which to evaluate business options IT competence – proficiency in using financial software, data analysis tools and broader business systems to capture and present business critical information Business competence – understanding of the Group, the broader business environment and industry trends and the ability to apply this knowledge to the task at hand Persuasive communication skills – excellent written and verbal communication skills to present findings and recommendations. Ability to effectively communicate financial information and recommendations to stakeholders and to engage with colleagues to elicit and encourage their participation and engagement Teamwork - collaborate effectively with colleagues to deliver on objectives, lead and participate effectively in teams across the organisation. Through behaviour and performance become the point of first contact/go-to individual for all matters within your responsibility set Thought leadership and continuous improvement – drive a culture of continuous improvement in FP&A through resilient and persistent engagement with the business around needs and capabilities. Where gaps in capability are identified, lead solution development