Junior FP&A Analyst

Location: London (Hybrid 2 days per week from home)

Salary: £30,000–£35,000 + stock options + benefits

Contract: Full-time

👋 About The Role

This is an entry-level opportunity for a highly motivated and numerate individual to launch their career in finance. As a Junior FP&A Analyst, you will provide essential foundational support to the wider Financial Planning & Analysis team. You’ll help a high-growth business with financial forecasting, assist with data management, and prepare reports that inform strategic decision-making across the business.You will report directly to the Head of FP&A, providing you with excellent visibility and mentorship from a senior finance leader. You will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy and timely delivery of the data that drives our analysis.

👋 About Zen

Zen Educate is a technology company that matches schools with temporary educator staff. Our mission is to change the world of education recruitment. Schools spend over $9bn a year on temporary educators, with over $2bn per year of that spent on fees that take money out of the education system. By leveraging the latest technology, we purpose built a platform that helps schools to pay less while educators earn more.

We want students to have access to the best education possible, and we go the extra mile to find, onboard, match, and coach incredible educators that deeply care about their students. We wake up every day on a mission to care more. We care more about our schools. And we care more about our educators. 

This is your chance to make a difference and join a high growth tech startup on the ground floor. We are a collaborative company, and the career growth opportunities are endless if you are someone willing to dive in, be entrepreneurial, and do whatever is needed to get the job done. We are passionate about learning and development, and will invest in both your personal and professional growth.

We have recently raised our Series B funding of $37mil, the largest round in European EdTech last year. This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference and be part of a high growth start-up that is expanding rapidly in the UK and US markets!

🏗️ What this role looks like in practice

The Junior FP&A Analyst will focus primarily on supporting the team with data preparation, input, and report generation, offering a strong platform for developing full FP&A competencies.

- Assist in the collection, organisation, and validation of financial and operational data from various internal systems.

- Support the preparation of monthly and quarterly financial reports and KPI dashboards by gathering required data points and ensuring accuracy.

- Perform data entry tasks related to budgeting and forecasting models under supervision.

- Conduct basic variance analysis (Actual vs. Budget/Forecast) by compiling the necessary comparison data.

- Produce summary charts, graphs, and schedules for inclusion in management presentations.

- Run standard reports from financial software and systems as requested by the team.

- Document and maintain financial data procedures to ensure consistency and knowledge transfer.

- Assist with system updates and data integrity checks across finance tools.

- Learn how to use and navigate financial reporting systems and BI tools.

We are seeking a candidate with a strong academic background and a genuine passion for financial analysis:

- A recent Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a highly quantitative field.

- This is an entry-level position, requiring 0-3 years of professional experience. Internships in a relevant finance/data role are beneficial.

- Analytical thinking and structure: You have strong numerical and analytical aptitude with exceptional attention to detail. You are able to identify and resolve data inconsistencies. 

- Financial modelling capability: You are highly proficient with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, comfortable with vlookup, pivot tables and index match formulae. 

- Commercial judgement: You can look beyond the numbers and apply the current business context, goals and growth levers to analysis, insights and recommendations. 

- Communication: You have excellent verbal and written communication skills, coordinating confidently with internal teams outside of the finance function. 

- Ownership and drive: You have evidence of self-directed problem-solving and demonstrated tenacity. You have a proactive attitude and a strong desire to learn the fundamentals of financial planning.

- Experience with Python, SQL, data tools, FP&A software and AI solutions is highly beneficial.

- Competitive starting salary of £30,000 - £35,000 per annum.

- 25 days of annual leave that increases with tenure + option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year.

- Additional benefits include a termly social budget, private health insurance, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme and life insurance.

- Direct mentorship from the Head of FP&A and excellent exposure to the strategic side of the business, laying the groundwork for a fast-track career in FP&A.

- Join one of Europe’s fastest-growing start-ups as we scale towards Series C, providing extensive career growth opportunities.

We like to hire fast and onboard well. Here's what you can expect:

Initial HR Screen: Quick screen with our recruiter to cover the basics and align expectations.

Intro video call with the hiring manager: In-depth discussion about your experience and motivations, and an opportunity to ask questions about the role.

Task & Interview: Modelling and analysis assessment & Interview: This will be split into two sections covering:

- A debrief of your take-home task focused on your modelling and analysis skills.

- Behavioural Interview: Focused on your attitude, problem-solving skills, and desire to learn.

Apply now or reach out with questions!