Financial Planning Analyst

Sowena are exclusively partnered with a PE-backed, acquisitive services group based in Liverpool that is entering a pivotal stage of its growth journey.

With strong investor backing and ambitious expansion plans, this is a brilliant opportunity for a newly qualified accountant to step into a commercially focused Group FP&A role where you’ll directly influence planning, performance, and long-term strategy.

This isn’t a “reporting-only” FP&A role, you’ll be at the centre of budgeting, forecasting, automation, commercial modelling, and board-level insight as the group scales ahead of a future exit.

If you’re looking to move beyond core reporting and into a role where you can genuinely shape the numbers and the narrative- this is it.

The Role

Reporting to the Group Financial Controller, you’ll support and enhance group-wide planning, performance analysis, and financial modelling. You’ll work closely with commercial, operational, and leadership teams to deliver meaningful, data-led insight.

You’ll also play a key role in improving automation, tooling, and systems — helping to build a scalable FP&A function fit for a growing, multi-entity group.

Key Responsibilities

Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning

• Support the annual budget, quarterly forecasts, and long-range planning processes
• Consolidate regional and functional inputs into group-level models
• Develop scalable financial models across revenue, margin, opex, and headcount
• Deliver clear budget vs actual analysis highlighting risks and opportunities

Commercial & Strategic Analysis

• Build financial models to support pricing, margin, and commercial decision-making
• Conduct deep-dive analysis into revenue drivers, cost structures, and profitability
• Prepare business cases and scenario modelling for strategic initiatives
• Support board and investor reporting with insight-led commentary

Automation & Systems

• Improve and automate FP&A processes using modern planning tools
• Work alongside IT and systems teams to integrate models with ERP and data platforms
• Identify manual processes and implement structured, scalable solutions

Reporting & Data

• Develop and enhance Power BI dashboards for group performance
• Work with data teams to improve reporting accuracy and accessibility
• Support validation, reconciliations, and data integrity across systems

About You

• Newly qualified ACA / ACCA / CIMA (or close to qualifying)
• Experience within FP&A, commercial finance, or a strong management accounts background with modelling exposure
• Advanced Excel skills with proven financial modelling capability
• Comfortable working with large datasets and BI tools (Power BI experience beneficial)
• Commercially curious with the confidence to challenge and influence
• Strong communicator who enjoys working cross-functionally
• Motivated by growth, pace, and being part of a PE journey

Why This Role?

• PE-backed, acquisitive growth environment
• 2 days on site hybrid split
• High visibility across leadership and investors
• Genuine exposure to group strategy and exit preparation
• Opportunity to shape and modernise FP&A processes
• Clear progression potential as the group continues to scale

For a newly qualified accountant wanting to step into a true Group FP&A role with commercial exposure, automation projects, and strategic impact, this is a standout opportunity in the Liverpool market.