JOB PURPOSE

The Manager – Business Planning & Analysis supports the Group business planning agenda through financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, business partnering and performance analysis. The role provides actionable insights to business leaders, develops financial models, supports strategic initiatives and drives data-based decision making across the Group. The incumbent will work closely with finance and operational stakeholders to improve financial visibility, strengthen planning discipline and enhance business performance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting

• Coordinate annual budgets, monthly forecasts and monthly outlooks.
• Maintain planning models and support submission reviews.
• Analyse variances and identify risks and opportunities.
• Support standardisation of planning processes and assumptions.

 Business Partnering and Decision Support

• Partner with business and functional leaders to understand performance drivers.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support decision making.
• Prepare business cases and financial evaluations for strategic initiatives.
• Support revenue growth, productivity and cost optimisation initiatives.

 Performance Management and Reporting

• Develop management reports, KPI dashboards and performance scorecards.
• Build and maintain Power BI dashboards and visualisations.
• Monitor key financial and operational metrics and highlight areas requiring action.
• Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

 Financial Modelling and Analysis

• Build and maintain robust Excel-based financial models.
• Conduct scenario planning, sensitivity analysis and profitability assessments.
• Support long-range planning, investment evaluations and ad-hoc analysis.

Data and Process Improvement

• Improve reporting automation and data quality.
• Leverage Power BI, Budgeting, Planning & Analysis tools and AI tools to enhance insights.
• Promote best practices in FP&A across institutions and functions.

Stakeholder Management

• Develop effective relationships with finance teams and business leaders.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment of plans and outcomes.
• Support senior management presentations and reporting requirements.

MINIMUM ACADEMIC/PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business or related discipline.

• Professional qualification (CPA, ACCA, CA, CIMA or equivalent) is an advantage.

• 6–8 years of relevant experience in FP&A, commercial finance, business planning or business partnering roles.

• Experience in budgeting, forecasting and management reporting is essential.

• Experience in a multi-business and/or regional business environment is advantageous; exposure to the education sector's operating environment is particularly advantageous..

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES)

• Strong FP&A and business partnering capability.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel financial modelling skills.
• Strong hands-on user experience with visualisation tools (e.g. Power BI) and Budgeting & Planning tools (e.g. Anaplan, TM1 etc.) as well as AI (commercially available LLMs).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and commercial acumen.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence outcomes through data-driven insights.
• Strong attention to detail while managing multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

STRATEGIC IMPACT OF THE ROLE

This role supports the Group’s financial discipline and performance management capabilities by delivering timely analysis, meaningful insights and effective business partnering. The position contributes to improved decision-making, forecasting accuracy and long-term value creation across the Group.