Ivy Rock Partners are delighted to be supporting a leading London-based higher education institution recognised globally for its creativity, inclusivity, and academic excellence. The organisation combines world-class teaching and research with a vibrant, collaborative culture, making it an exceptional place to work and develop your skillset.
The opportunity:
We are seeking a Senior Finance Analyst to join the central finance team on a fixed-term contract of 18 months. This role sits at the heart of the organisation s financial planning and analysis function, providing high-quality insight to support strategic and operational decision-making.
The positions offer an excellent opportunity to play a key role in the financial management of a complex and innovative institution, working with senior stakeholders to enhance performance, data integrity, and financial understanding.
Key responsibilities:
* Lead and deliver financial planning, forecasting, and analysis to inform strategic and operational decisions
* Prepare and present management accounts, variance analysis, and financial performance reports
* Develop and maintain robust financial models, performing scenario and sensitivity analysis
* Work confidently with large and complex data sets, ensuring accuracy, insight, and compliance
* Contribute to statutory accounts preparation and external reporting, ensuring accuracy and adherence to accounting standards
* Support cashflow forecasting, business planning, and audit preparation
* Partner with colleagues across Finance and senior leadership to strengthen financial processes and insight
* Play an active role in finance transformation projects, including chart of accounts redesign and data model development
About you:
You will be a skilled finance professional who combines strong analytical expertise with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Essential experience / qualifications:
* Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
* Significant experience in financial planning and analysis (FP&A) or senior analytical roles
* Proven ability to manage and interpret large, complex data sets
* Strong understanding of statutory accounts and financial reporting requirements
* Excellent Excel and financial modelling skills
* Confident presenting complex financial information clearly to non-financial audiences
Desirable experience:
* Experience within higher education, public sector, or large multi-entity organisations
* Involvement in finance data or systems transformation projects
Benefits:
* Generous annual leave (34 days excluding bank holidays) plus 2 days paid volunteering leave.
* Discounted medical insurance and eye care benefits.
* Pension scheme with competitive employer contribution (e.g., LGPS) for eligible staff.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (flexible hours and dynamic working policy).
* Discounts and interest-free loans for travel, tech purchases, lifestyle brands, gym/fitness centre access, nursery fees and more
* Defined LGPS pension scheme
* Staff development support
For a confidential conversation about the role please get in touch with Megan Hunter