FP&A Roles in Financial Services

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) roles, including those of Finance Business Partners, offer ACA-qualified professionals the chance to move into strategic and commercially focused finance. These positions provide a unique blend of analysis, forecasting, and cross-functional collaboration, supporting critical decision-making within Financial Services businesses.

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Explore FP&A Roles in Industry & Commerce

Explore FP&A Roles in Housing, Charities & Not-for-Profit

Key Insights

FP&A continues to be a high-growth area across the Financial Services sector with roles increasing positioned as key decision-support functions across the banking, insurance, and fintech sectors.

£60k–£70k

Typical salary range for newly qualified financial accountants in London-based Financial Services firms.

Over 50% of ACA-qualified professionals

Say commercial exposure is a key driver in their first move post-qualification.

Role Responsibilities

FP&A Analysts develop forecasts, budgets, and financial models to support business planning. Finance Business Partners collaborate with departments across the organisation, providing insights that shape strategic and operational decisions. Both these roles are fast-paced, data-driven, and business-critical.

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Qualifications and Skills

If you are considering an FP&A role, you’ll need some essential analytical skills to sit alongside your ACA qualification. Depending on the role, employers will be looking for:

Financial modelling and analysis
Strong commercial and business acumen
Communication and stakeholder management
Experience with advanced Excel and financial planning tools

Where This Role Can Take You

Financial Planning and Analysis is a natural pathway to senior commercial roles such as Head of FP&A or CFO.

These roles also provide excellent preparation for broader leadership roles in finance, strategy, or operations.

Career Resources

Explore advice and insights tailored to ACA professionals building a career in FP&A.

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FP&A Roles in Industry & Commerce

In the Industry & Commerce sectors, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) roles provide ACA-qualified professionals with commercial exposure, analytical challenge, and the chance to directly influence business strategy. These positions are essential for performance management and long-term planning in consumer-facing sectors.

Talk to an ACA Consultant

Explore FP&A Roles in Financial Services

Explore FP&A Roles in Housing, Charities & Not-for-Profit

Key Insights

Commercial finance teams are expanding in response to rapid growth and transformation. Retail, tech, FMCG, and healthcare companies are consistently seeking ACA-qualified talent.

£60k–£75k

Typical salary for newly qualified FP&A professionals in commercial organisations.

Role Responsibilities

FP&A professionals play a key role in strategic decision-making and budget control. FP&A Analysts build budgets and forecasts, deliver performance reporting, and provide insights that shape strategic decisions.

Finance Business Partners work closely with operational leaders to drive efficiency and profitability.

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Qualifications & Skills

Alongside an AQA qualification, employers hiring for analyst and business partners roles in FP&A will be looking for candidates with an aptitude for:

Financial modelling and analysis
Budgeting and planning skills
Commercial awareness
Effective communication

Where This Role Can Take You

FP&A and business partnering roles offer a clear pathway to senior commercial finance leadership.

These roles will also help you to develop the strategic capabilities valued in transformation and operational roles.

Career Resources

Explore advice and insights tailored to ACA professionals building a career in FP&A.

Industry & Commerce

July 16, 2025

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July 10, 2025

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July 7, 2025

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Landing a new job isn't just about having the right technical skills – you also need to show you understand the company, how your experience fits, and how you can add value.

Start Your Journey Today

Find your next ACA role or speak with us about your ACA career journey.

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FP&A Roles in Public Sector

In the Public sectors, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) roles provide ACA-qualified professionals with commercial exposure, analytical challenge, and the chance to directly influence business strategy. These positions are essential for performance management and long-term planning in consumer-facing sectors.

Talk to an ACA Consultant

Explore FP&A Roles in Financial Services

Explore FP&A Roles in Industry & Commerce

Key Insights

Commercial finance teams are expanding in response to rapid growth and transformation. Retail, tech, FMCG, and healthcare companies are consistently seeking ACA-qualified talent.

£60k–£75k

Typical salary for newly qualified FP&A professionals in commercial organisations.

Role Responsibilities

Talk to an ACA consultant

Qualifications & Skills

Alongside an AQA qualification, employers hiring for analyst and business partners roles in FP&A will be looking for candidates with an aptitude for:

Financial modelling and analysis
Budgeting and planning skills
Commercial awareness
Effective communication

Where This Role Can Take You

Career Resources

Explore advice and insights tailored to ACA professionals building a career in FP&A.

Industry & Commerce

July 16, 2025

Newly Qualified Auditors: Your Pathway to Financial Reporting Success

Completing your ACA qualification is a huge milestone. It marks the end of a demanding training period and the beginning of a wide range of career possibilities beyond audit.

Industry & Commerce

July 10, 2025

How to Stand Out as a Part-Qualified Accountant in a Crowded Market

Industry & Commerce

July 7, 2025

From Practice to Industry: The ACA's Guide to a Successful Move into Industry & Commerce

Qualifying as an ACA is a significant achievement, often reached after years of rigorous training, usually working long hours, within a practice environment.

Industry & Commerce

February 18, 2025

Talent Trends in the FMCG, Consumer, and Retail Market: Looking Ahead to 2025

Industry & Commerce

May 13, 2025

Interview Preparation – Top Tips!

Landing a new job isn't just about having the right technical skills – you also need to show you understand the company, how your experience fits, and how you can add value.

Start Your Journey Today

Find your next ACA role or speak with us about your ACA career journey.

Search for ACA jobs

Talk to an ACA Consultant