Group Financial Planning & Analysis AVP

Opportunity Review: Group Financial Planning & Analysis AVP

This Group Financial Planning & Analysis Assistant Vice President (AVP) role presents a compelling opportunity for seasoned finance professionals looking to make a significant impact within a large, established organization. The position is central to the strategic financial direction of the group, focusing on robust planning, insightful analysis, and effective risk management. Candidates seeking to advance their careers in financial strategy and leadership will find this role particularly appealing.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Influence: Play a pivotal role in shaping the group's High-Level and Medium-Term Plans. Your analysis and insights will directly inform strategic presentations for senior leadership, offering a direct line of influence on business decisions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates strong partnerships across Finance, Risk, and various Business Divisions. This provides invaluable exposure to different facets of the organization, fostering a holistic understanding of the business and enhancing your networking capabilities.
• Performance Enhancement: You will be empowered to challenge business plans and identify opportunities for performance enhancement. This is a chance to move beyond routine reporting and actively contribute to driving business outcomes.
• Robust Process Ownership: Take ownership of the planning control environment, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of financial processes. This includes managing planning cycles, forecasts, and driving improvements, offering significant responsibility.
• Stress Testing & Resilience: A key component of this role involves developing and implementing stress testing methodologies. This is a critical area for any financial institution, allowing you to deepen your understanding of risk assessment and the bank's resilience under various economic scenarios.
• Career Development: The opportunity to lead teams, mentor colleagues, and engage in complex problem-solving, combined with the exposure to regulatory requirements and senior stakeholder management, offers substantial scope for professional growth and development. The emphasis on LEAD behaviours (Listen and be authentic, Energise and inspire, Align across the enterprise, Develop others) highlights a commitment to developing leadership potential.
• Exposure to Diverse Functions: The accountabilities listed cover a broad spectrum, including capital adequacy, risk management strategies, and stakeholder communication. This breadth of experience will equip you with a comprehensive skill set relevant to many senior finance roles.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Analytical Prowess: A strong foundation in financial accounting principles and proven analytical capability with meticulous attention to detail are paramount. The ability to dissect large datasets and translate them into actionable insights for senior leaders is crucial.
• Industry Experience: While not strictly mandatory, familiarity with the banking or broader financial services industry is a significant advantage. Experience within Big 4 audit and advisory firms or in FP&A roles within large organizations will be highly regarded.
• Technical Acumen: Familiarity with financial systems such as Hyperion is a plus. Candidates should also be prepared to demonstrate their understanding of digital and technology as it relates to finance functions.
• Risk and Controls Focus: A strong understanding of risk and controls is essential, as is the ability to identify areas for mitigation and contribute to policy development. You will be responsible for maintaining a robust control environment.
• Change Management Skills: The role involves driving process improvements and reengineering initiatives. Therefore, experience or aptitude in managing change and transformation will be beneficial.
• Communication and Influence: The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership and potentially regulators, is critical for success. You will be expected to influence decision-making.
• Leadership Potential: Whether leading a team or guiding collaborative assignments as an individual contributor, strong leadership behaviors are expected. This includes setting objectives, coaching, and fostering an environment for colleagues to thrive.

This role is ideal for ambitious finance professionals who are not only technically adept but also possess strong strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and a desire to drive meaningful change within a dynamic financial environment. It offers a platform to significantly enhance your career trajectory and contribute to the financial health and strategic direction of the organization.