Financial Analyst

Planet Pharma is seeking a commercially focused FP&A Analyst to support business planning, forecasting, reporting, and decision-making across a Northern European business unit. This is a highly visible role that combines financial analysis, business partnering, and performance reporting, helping stakeholders make informed decisions that drive growth and operational excellence. The successful candidate will play a key role in modernising finance processes through the use of AI, automation, and data-driven insights, while supporting forecasting, month-end reporting, and strategic planning activities. Key Responsibilities Financial Planning & Analysis

• Support annual budgeting, business planning, and rolling forecast processes, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance financial forecasting models, monitoring forecast accuracy and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Analyse performance trends and key business drivers to provide meaningful, actionable insights.
• Challenge assumptions and support strategic decision-making through robust financial analysis.
• Partner with budget owners to improve understanding of spending patterns, variances, and forecast performance. Reporting & Financial Performance
• Prepare month-end reporting, analysis, and commentary in accordance with established accounting standards and policies.
• Support finance leadership with forecasting activities, highlighting risks, opportunities, and variances against plan.
• Deliver ad hoc financial analysis, business cases, and project support as required. Business Partnering & Process Improvement
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and act as a trusted financial advisor across the business.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Supply Chain, HR, and Operations on financial initiatives and business performance reviews.
• Leverage AI and analytical tools to enhance financial analysis, reporting, and forecasting activities.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual or repetitive processes using tools such as Power Query, Power BI, and other automation technologies.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning, reporting, and data management processes. Skills & Experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to transform financial data into clear business insights.
• Experience building, maintaining, or improving forecasting and financial models.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail combined with a commercial mindset and understanding of wider business implications.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in PowerPoint.
• Experience with Power Query, Power BI, VBA, Python, or other automation tools would be advantageous.
• Exposure to AI-driven tools and technologies within a professional environment is desirable.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and process automation.
• Experience working with ERP and financial planning systems (e.g., SAP, SAC, or similar) would be beneficial.
• Ability to work independently within a fast-paced, matrix-led organisation. Qualifications
• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years' experience within FP&A, Finance, Accounting, Commercial Finance, or a related analytical role.
• Progress towards or completion of a recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) would be advantageou