Lead Finance Planning & Reporting Analyst
About this role
Lead Financial Planning Analyst – Co-op Funeralcare – Manchester
Agency: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency
Client: Co-op (Finance and Audit / Co-op Funeralcare)
Location: Manchester City Centre (Hybrid working model, splitting time between home and the office)
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per annum plus great benefits
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)
Closing Date: 29-10-2026 (Note: Applications may close early)
About the Role
Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to partner with Co-op to recruit an analytical and driven Lead Financial Planning Analyst for their Co-op Funeralcare team in Manchester.
In this vital finance role, you will be at the heart of analysing performance and trends to produce forecasts, budgets, and strategic plans. You will consolidate reporting outputs, partner closely with finance business partners and operational teams to identify financial risks and opportunities, and deliver insights that benchmark Co-op against external industry competitors to optimise business decisions.
Key Responsibilities: Building and updating financial plans, models, forecasts, budgets, and strategic plans; supporting weekly and monthly performance reporting; analysing period results and key variances across P&Ls, balance sheets, and cash flows; providing variance analysis and cashflow forecasting; and driving continuous improvement in reporting processes.
What We Are Looking For
To succeed in this role through Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency, you should bring:
A recognised accountancy qualification (such as ACA, CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent) alongside proven FP&A experience.
Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting across P&Ls, balance sheets, and cash flows.
Advanced IT and spreadsheet skills (e.g., VLOOKUP, complex formulas) and experience with financial planning tools.
Excellent analytical, detail-oriented, and communication skills, with the ability to present data compellingly and influence stakeholders.
Strong prioritisation skills in a dynamic environment, with a focus on continuous improvement.
The ability to reliably commute to Manchester for hybrid working.
Why Join Through Us? (Candidate Benefits)
Working with Co-op means joining an organization powered by purpose that puts people and communities first. Perks and benefits include:
Competitive Compensation: £40,000 to £50,000 per year plus an annual performance-based bonus scheme.
Holiday Allowance: 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays.
Financial & Health Wellbeing: Pension scheme with up to 10% employer contributions, virtual healthcare (including GP appointments, mental health support, fitness advice), and Wagestream (flexible pay access).
Generous Discounts: 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands, plus an onsite subsidized gym at the Manchester HQ.
Workplace Support: 24/7 colleague support service, cycle-to-work scheme, and structured training and career progression resources.