Job Description

We are looking for a Head of Financial Planning and Analysis to join our Finance Directorate. Leading a team of 12 you will play a lead role in establishing financial strategies for the organization that provide the foundation for long-term success.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead, shape and develop financial business partnering services at the University; and we are looking for an exceptionally skilled and highly motivated individual who can provide professional leadership on all aspects of university-wide financial management information to inform fact-based decision making.

You’ll be a visible, engaging and knowledgeable business partner to an exciting, varied, complex and growing institution. You will be responsible for all aspects of financial planning process (budgeting and forecasting), finance business partnering, management reporting. Working closely with the Director of Finance (and deputising as required) the Head of FP&A will promote and embed the newly developed Finance mission across the Directorate.

The role is responsible for producing analysis and insights on the performance of the University (both forward and backward looking) to drive decision making and support delivery of the University strategic ambitions. The right candidate will lead, coach and manage staff, collaborate with colleagues and innovate and motivate others. You will need to demonstrate excellent analytical and report writing skills, setting out clear and concise recommendations, alongside excellent interpersonal skills. The role holder will be required to liaise and build strong financial business partnering relationships across both internal and external stakeholders. A process improvement mindset is critical to succeeding in this role.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate will be confident, and proactive with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization. A driven individual who strives to deliver process improvements, has excellent communication skills with attention to detail; able to work flexibly and to deadline.

• Qualified accountant with sound academic background and logical career progression.
• Senior FP&A experience owning key processes, proven FP&A and business partnering track record in a similar sized organization.
• Hands on experience in change management with a demonstrable success in improving processes and systems.
• Excellent communication skills with an ability to develop effective working relationships with a diverse stakeholder group.
• Good knowledge of technology – Excel (essential), Power BI (desirable)
• Excellent written and verbal communicator
• An enquiring mind with the confidence to ask questions and challenge the status quo