Head of Strategic Costs and Business Performance

Aberdeen Standard Investments; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

Job Description

Aberdeen Group PLC is one of the world’s largest investment companies, built on a long-standing culture of caring about the future and making a positive impact. Together we invest for a better future to make a difference to the lives of our clients, customers, employees, society, and shareholders.

Our strategy is to build a vibrant and value-creating purpose-led organisation, with the current and future needs of our stakeholders at the heart of all we do.

The Finance function is led by the Chief Financial Officer and comprises three specialist, centralised teams, and three business-focused commercial teams, supported by a small CFO Office to run the function.

• Business CFO teams – responsible for supporting Business CEOs by driving the commercial agenda of the business.

• Group Finance Control, Performance & Planning – responsible for all external reporting activity (group, statutory and regulatory) to produce high-quality reporting materials, on time and reflective of best practice.

• Capital and Tax – responsible for running all capital and tax matters centrally for the whole group.

• Finance Operations – responsible for all processing and production activity, focusing on maximum efficiency and increasing automation with robust controls.

About the role

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with experience in FP&A at a Group level in complex organisations, or with detailed experience in Asset Management or Wealth Management, and an excellent understanding of financial markets.

The role is to provide 'real-time' commercial insight and analytics, be a trusted adviser to the Group CFO, Group Financial Controller, Director of Group FP&A, Technology exec, Functional Heads, and Segment CFOs, successfully influencing business decisions to maximise shareholder value and customer outcomes.

As Head of Business Performance, you will work closely with Finance colleagues and key business stakeholders to own and develop FP&A processes, delivering critical MI, challenge, and planning and forecasting outputs.

As the Head of Strategic Costs, you will leverage digitally enabled commercial cost insight and analytics to support delivery of Aberdeen Group’s strategy and be a trusted business partner to the Functional Heads.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support delivery of overall FP&A processes, delivering critical MI and commercially focused planning and forecasting outputs.

• Support and develop robust monthly reporting and forecasts, engaging and collaborating across Segments, Functions, and Finance teams.

• Support the functional cost allocation process ensuring compliance with transfer pricing guidelines.

• Drive a significant improvement in the quality, impact, and timing of Plans and Forecasts as well as monthly and quarterly Business Performance reporting.

• Provide analysis and insight that links financials to business strategies.

• Build and maintain key partner and customer relationships, challenging and influencing the business to maximise potential.

• Conduct continuous and proactive reviews of markets, competitors, and strategy to inform forecasts.

• Proactively support the transformation of FP&A and Finance to ensure a ‘future fit’ platform.

• Ensure delivery of not just the ‘WHATs’ but also ‘HOW’, contributing to a material shift in the Finance culture.

• Be a role model to demonstrate the key behaviours expected in Finance.

About the candidate

The role requires a highly impactful, credible individual to influence effectively at Senior Management level in a complex global business. Skills will need to include:

• Asset management or financial services background essential, with sound knowledge and experience of FP&A.

• Understanding of financial systems and processes (Power BI & Anaplan experience preferable).

• Proven commercial acumen with strong communication skills.

• Excellent analytical ability with attention to detail.

• Strong time management skills and ability to prioritise workload.

• Demonstrate credibility with stakeholders.

• Experience of leading and implementing change.

We’re committed to providing an inclusive workplace where all forms of difference are valued. We support a culture that values meritocracy, fairness, and transparency and welcomes enquiries from everyone. If you need assistance or an adjustment due to a disability please let us know as part of your application and we will assist.