Lead Finance Planning & Reporting Analyst

Job Overview

• Role: Lead Financial Planning Analyst – Co-op Funeralcare

• Location: Manchester City Centre (Hybrid working, splitting time between home and the office) (Must be within a commutable distance from Manchester)

• Salary: £40,000 to £50,000 per annum plus excellent benefits (Work Level 6A)

• Contract Type: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)

• Closing Date: 29-10-2026 (Note: Applications may close early)

What You’ll Do

You will join Co-op Funeralcare to support performance reporting and planning across the team, helping to optimize business decisions and strategy. Duties include:

• Financial Planning & Modeling: Build financial plans using proven techniques and update financial models, forecasts, budgets, and strategic plans with data and assumptions.

• Performance Reporting: Consolidate reporting inputs, support weekly and monthly performance reporting, and present overall performance in a clear, compelling way.

• Variance & Reconciliation Analysis: Analyze period results, key variances, and their impact on financial statements across weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly cycles.

• Process Improvement & Partnering: Build strong relationships with key business partners and improve forecasting and reporting processes while championing planning tools, including cash flow forecasting.

What You’ll Bring

We are committed to making our roles as accessible as possible while ensuring you have the right core qualifications to thrive. You will need:

• A recognised accountancy qualification (such as ACA, CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent) combined with FP&A experience.

• Strong budget, forecast, and financial reporting skills (covering P&Ls, balance sheets, and cash flow).

• Advanced IT and spreadsheet skills (e.g., VLOOKUP, complex formulas) and experience with planning tools.

• Excellent analytical, detail-oriented, and communication skills, with the ability to present data and influence stakeholders.

• Note: As part of your application, you will need to complete an online assessment taking up to 50 minutes (unless you are a current Co-op colleague).

Fantastic Benefits Package

When you secure this role, you aren't just taking a job—you are joining a purpose-driven organisation that puts people first. Perks include:

• Competitive Salary & Bonus: £40,000 to £50,000 per annum plus an annual bonus based on personal and business performance.

• Generous Holiday: 28 days of holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays.

• Colleague Discounts: 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands.

• Pension Scheme: Employer contributions of up to 10%.

• Financial Wellbeing: Access to Stream (a money management app giving you early access to earned pay).

• Health & Support: Virtual healthcare (including GP appointments), mental health support, fitness advice, subsidised onsite gym access at the Manchester HQ, and a 24/7 colleague support service.

• Career Growth: Training, development support, and a cycle-to-work scheme.