Job Description
A reputable organisation is recruiting a Head of Financial Planning and Analysis
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially astute finance professional to join a large, complex organisation operating within the higher education sector.This is a senior leadership role requiring a qualified finance specialist with significant experience in financial strategy, planning, and operational delivery. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping financial direction, influencing strategic decisions, and ensuring the highest standards of financial management and governance.
The RoleReporting into senior leadership, you will act as a trusted advisor across a broad stakeholder base, providing strategic financial insight and ensuring robust financial planning, control, and reporting.You will lead financial reporting and business partnering activity, supporting long-term sustainability and enabling data-driven decision making across the organisation.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Finance & Leadership
* Contribute to the development and delivery of financial strategy and long-term planning
* Lead on the production of consolidated financial plans, including five-year budgets and forecasts
* Provide expert financial advice to senior stakeholders to support strategic decision-making
* Influence organisational direction through insight, analysis, and commercial evaluation
Financial Management & Reporting
* Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes
* Deliver high-quality management information, including variance analysis and financial commentary
* Ensure robust financial controls, compliance with regulations, and adherence to audit requirements
* Identify financial risks, opportunities, and value-for-money improvements
Business Partnering
* Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across diverse operational areas
* Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-finance audiences
* Support investment appraisal, business cases, and commercial decision-making
Team Leadership & Service Delivery
* Lead, develop, and motivate a high-performing finance team
* Set service standards and continuously improve financial processes and systems
* Ensure delivery of a responsive, customer-focused finance service
Governance, Collaboration & Representation
* Represent the finance function at senior internal and external forums
* Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment with organisational strategy
* Contribute to policy development, ensuring compliance and best practice
About YouYou will be a proactive and influential finance leader with the ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels. Essential Requirements
* Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, CIMA, ACA/ICAEW or equivalent)
* Significant senior finance experience, ideally within higher education or a similarly complex environment
* Proven track record in budgeting, financial planning, and commercial appraisal
* Strong leadership experience with the ability to develop and manage teams
* Experience of business planning and strategic financial management
Key Skills & Attributes
* Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound judgement
* Experience influencing senior stakeholders and building strategic relationships
* Demonstrated ability to drive service improvements and deliver high-quality outcomes
* Highly organised with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple demands
Why Apply?This role offers the opportunity to:
* Influence strategic decision-making at a senior level
* Play a key role in shaping financial direction within a complex organisation
* Lead meaningful change and continuous improvement
* Work in a collaborative, values-driven environment
What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.#4800973