Key Takeaways
- The FP&A Manager leads the budgeting and forecasting process.
- They build complex financial models to help with business choices.
- Leadership is a core part of the role in most Australian firms.
- They create reporting packs for the board and executive team.
- This role supports strategic planning to help the company grow.
Finding the right person for your finance team starts with a clear fp&a manager job description. This role is a bridge between raw data and business strategy. In Australia, companies look for experts who can look at the numbers and tell a story. This story helps leaders know where to spend money and where to save it. Righteo has created this guide to help you understand what this role involves and how to hire the best talent.
What does an FP&A manager do?
You might wonder, what does an FP&A manager do on a daily basis? This professional focuses on the future of the company. While an accountant looks at what happened in the past, the FP&A manager looks at what will happen next. They spend their time looking at trends and predicting costs.
In many Australian businesses, this person works closely with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). They take messy data and turn it into clear plans. They do not just report numbers; they explain what the numbers mean for the business. Before you hire for this level, you might want to look at a Financial Analyst Job Description to see if a junior role fits your needs better. The manager role is different because it requires more leadership and big-picture thinking.
Core FP&A manager duties
The FP&A manager duties cover several areas of the business. You should expect this person to handle the following tasks:
- Managing the Budget Cycle: They lead the yearly budget process. This involves talking to every department to see how much money they need.
- Forecasting: They update the financial outlook every month or quarter. This helps the company stay on track if things change.
- Financial Modelling: They build tools in Excel or other software. These models show how different choices might affect the company's profit.
- Reporting Packs: They prepare the documents for board meetings. These packs must be clear and show the most important facts.
- Leadership: They often manage a small team of analysts. They help these staff members grow and check their work for errors.
- Strategic Support: They provide data to help the CEO make long-term plans. This might include looking at new products or moving into new markets.
Head of FP&A job description vs Manager
When you are writing your job post, you must decide on the seniority. A head of FP&A job description usually asks for more years of experience. A Head of FP&A will spend more time on high-level strategy and less time building models. They deal directly with the board of directors.
The Manager level is more "hands-on". They still build the spreadsheets and check the data themselves. In a smaller Australian company, one person might do both roles. In a large firm, the Manager reports to the Head of FP&A. Make sure you know which one your business needs before you start the hiring process.
FP&A manager job description template
You can use this job description template to create your own job advertisement. Simply change the details to fit your company.
Job Title: FP&A Manager Location: Australia (Remote/Office) Reports to: CFO or Head of Finance
Job Summary: We are looking for a skilled FP&A Manager to join our team. You will lead our financial planning and analysis efforts. Your main goal is to help us make smart business choices through data. You will manage our budgets, build models, and lead a small team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Take ownership of the full budgeting and forecasting cycle.
- Build and maintain complex financial models to support business growth.
- Lead and mentor a team of financial analysts.
- Create monthly and quarterly reporting packs for the executive team.
- Help with strategic planning by providing data-driven insights.
- Work with department heads to manage their spending.
- Look for ways to improve our financial processes.
Required Skills:
- Strong skills in Excel and financial software.
- Ability to explain complex data to people who are not in finance.
- Experience leading a team in a corporate setting.
- Deep knowledge of Australian accounting standards.
- Strong attention to detail.
Key Skills and Qualifications
A financial planning and analysis manager job description should always list the right qualifications. In Australia, most firms look for specific things:
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics is standard.
- Certification: Most successful candidates have a CPA or CA qualification.
- Experience: Usually, five to eight years of experience in finance is required.
- Software: Knowledge of tools like ERP systems, Power BI, or Tableau is very helpful.
- Communication: They must be able to speak clearly. They will often talk to senior leaders who do not have a finance background.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for this role in Australia?
The salary can vary based on the city. In places like Sydney or Melbourne, the pay is often higher. Usually, a manager in this field can expect to earn between $130,000 and $180,000 per year plus superannuation.
Do they need to be a qualified accountant?
While not every firm requires it, most Australian businesses prefer a CPA or CA. This shows the person has a strong grasp of financial rules and ethics.
How is this role different from a Finance Manager?
A Finance Manager often focuses on the day-to-day accounting, like bills and payroll. An FP&A Manager focuses on the future, such as growth plans and profit forecasts.
What industries hire FP&A Managers?
Almost every industry needs them. You will find them in retail, mining, tech, and healthcare. Any business that wants to plan for growth will need this role.
Is leadership experience required?
Yes, for a manager level role, you usually need to show you can lead others. Even if you only manage one person, leadership skills are a big part of the job.
Conclusion
Writing a good fp&a manager job description is the first step to building a strong finance team. You need someone who is good with numbers but also good with people. They must be able to lead a team and talk to the board. By using a clear template and listing the right duties, you will attract the best candidates in Australia. Righteo is here to support your hiring journey with the best tools and advice for your business. Focus on finding a person who can turn your data into a clear map for the future.