Financial Planning and Reporting Manager - London

The Financial Planning and Reporting Manager will be responsible for overseeing the organisation’s financial planning processes, delivering accurate and insightful management reporting, and supporting strategic decision-making. This role works closely with the entire Finance team (currently eight in UK, three in America and two in Hong Kong) in establishing best practice finance operations and reporting across the global business.

Principle duties and responsibilities

• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting, collaborating with budget holders and providing a consolidated view for CEO and Trustees.
• Develop long-term financial models for strategic planning and scenario analysis.
• Analyse financial trends and KPIs, offering insights to senior management.
• Oversee month-end reporting for WSET entities, ensuring accuracy and alignment with requirements.
• Enhance reporting tools for better data visualization and accessibility.
• Drive improvements in financial planning, forecasting, and reporting.
• Collaborate with IT and Projects teams to align Finance system needs with integrations.
• Assist the Head of Finance in preparation of the consolidated annual accounts according to the Charity SORP as well as ensuring that appropriate accounting adjustments are made.
• Assist with VAT matters and drive system development to support VAT compliance as the business expands globally.
• Be a proactive business partner to cross-functional teams by being a trusted adviser, providing support and analysis that is placed into context for decision-makers.
• Line management of the Management Accountant including oversight of preparation and submission of quarterly VAT Returns, Fixed Asset Management, Balance Sheet reconciliations and Property. Responsibility for objective setting and regular appraisal.
• Manage all the financial aspects in relation to WSET property, including leaseholders (tenants) and rates.
• Provide support to the whole Finance team in the areas of technical financial accounting.
• Contribute to the overall successful operation of WSET by undertaking such other tasks as may from time to time be requested.

Skills and Experience Required

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., CIMA, ACA, ACCA) or equivalent. Strong technical knowledge of financial reporting standards (e.g., IFRS).
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and experience of working with financial systems (e.g., NetSuite).
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with a track record of managing and developing teams.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to thrive under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong collaborative mindset with the ability to work across diverse teams.Desirable requirements:

• Experience of working within an international business environment and exposure to multi-currency financials.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics CRM software

UK Benefits

Annual Leave – 27 days pa + public holidays, increases with service; ability to buy/sell 5 days

Pension (Generous options available after three months)

Health insurance (after three months):

Vitality scheme – post probation – Access to virtual GP appointments, Rewards include Caffe Nero drinks, Cinema Tickets, Apple Watch, Cash Back on Waitrose shopping, 75% off at Champneys, 6 month subscription with HeadSpace, Discounted Weight Watchers membership and gyms, Smoking Cessation day worth £300 and half price health screens

Eye voucher scheme

Food and drink in the office

Nespresso coffee makers and a range of other drinks, fruit, cereals, soups

Season ticket & gym membership loan scheme

Group income protection scheme

EAP

24/7 confidential help and support from trained counsellors and advisors

Death in service

4x annual salary paid to nominees with associated bereavement support for family

Enhanced family friendly leave and pay

Celebration vouchers

Cycle2Work scheme

Discretionary bonus

Development – WSET’s in-house training and qualifications in Wines, Spirits, Sake and Beer as well as other professional development opportunities

DISCLAIMER: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to request that other or different tasks be performed as assigned, at any time.