Application Guide

How to Apply for FP&A Analyst

at Vertical Aerospace

🏢 About Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace is at the forefront of the eVTOL revolution, developing zero-emission aircraft that aim to transform urban mobility. Working here means contributing to a mission that could redefine personal air travel, backed by a team of engineers and innovators passionate about sustainability and cutting-edge technology.

About This Role

As an FP&A Analyst at Vertical Aerospace, you'll be the financial backbone supporting strategic decisions across engineering, programmes, and corporate functions. Your work will directly influence the allocation of resources for developing next-generation aircraft, from budgeting and forecasting to scenario modeling that guides the company's growth trajectory.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing monthly management accounts and preparing variance commentary for the engineering director. You'll then dive into updating a long-range financial model, incorporating new programme milestones, and later meet with the programmes team to discuss budget vs. actuals on a specific aircraft component. After lunch, you might write SQL queries to extract data for an ad hoc scenario analysis on certification delays, ending the day by refining a Power BI dashboard for the CFO.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Vertical Aerospace Is Looking For

  • A qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with 2+ years of FP&A experience, ideally in a fast-paced, high-growth tech or aerospace environment.
  • Advanced Excel skills including financial modeling, Power Query, and experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP) and data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau.
  • Comfortable with SQL to query databases for ad hoc analysis, and able to translate complex data into actionable insights for non-finance stakeholders.
  • A proactive partner who can collaborate with engineering and programme teams, understanding technical milestones and translating them into financial forecasts.

📝 Tips for Applying to Vertical Aerospace

1

Highlight any experience with long-range planning or scenario modeling in a technology or R&D-heavy company, as this is key for Vertical's growth stage.

2

Showcase your ability to work with cross-functional teams by providing examples of partnering with engineering or product teams to drive financial decisions.

3

Demonstrate your proficiency with Power Query and SQL by mentioning specific projects where you automated data processes or improved reporting efficiency.

4

Tailor your CV to emphasize your role in budgeting and forecasting for capital-intensive projects, as aerospace development requires significant investment tracking.

5

Research Vertical's eVTOL technology and competitors (e.g., Joby, Lilium) to show genuine interest in the industry and understand the financial challenges of aircraft certification.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express passion for sustainable aviation and how your financial skills can support Vertical's mission to decarbonize air travel.", "Emphasize your experience in dynamic environments where you've adapted forecasts to changing project timelines, as aerospace development often faces delays.", 'Highlight your ability to communicate financial insights to non-finance stakeholders, especially engineers, to drive informed decision-making.', "Mention specific tools you've used (Power BI, SQL, ERP) and how they've improved reporting accuracy or efficiency."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Vertical's latest press releases and investor updates to understand their funding rounds, partnerships (e.g., with Rolls-Royce, Honeywell), and certification progress.
  • → Study the eVTOL market landscape, including competitors like Joby Aviation and Lilium, to understand Vertical's positioning and financial challenges.
  • → Review the UK's regulatory environment for eVTOL aircraft, particularly CAA and EASA certification pathways, as these impact financial planning.
  • → Look into Vertical's company culture and values, especially their focus on sustainability and innovation, to align your application messaging.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would build a financial model for a new aircraft programme, considering R&D costs, certification timelines, and production ramp-up.
2 Describe a time you partnered with a non-finance team (e.g., engineering) to influence a strategic decision. How did you handle conflicting priorities?
3 How do you approach variance analysis in a high-uncertainty environment? Give an example of a significant forecast variance and how you communicated it to management.
4 Explain your experience with Power Query or SQL. Can you provide an example of a complex data transformation you automated?
5 What do you know about Vertical Aerospace's current funding, partnerships, or regulatory milestones? How would you assess the financial health of a pre-revenue company?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic finance applications; failing to mention any knowledge of aerospace or eVTOL industry suggests lack of genuine interest.
  • Don't overstate your technical skills (e.g., SQL, Power BI) if you're not proficient, as the role requires hands-on data manipulation.
  • Steer clear of focusing solely on past accounting tasks; the role demands forward-looking analysis and strategic partnering, not just historical reporting.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Vertical Aerospace!

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