The Organisation
The University of Edinburgh
'A globally top-ranked, research-intensive university shaping the future of education, innovation, and societal impact.'
'One of the world's leading universities, combining academic excellence, global reach, and with over £1bn in annual scale.'
'A flagship, internationally recognised institution at the forefront of research, education, and global thought leadership.'
Job Purpose
The Director of Financial Planning & Analysis provides strategic financial leadership across the University, ensuring that financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis directly supports the University's 2030 Strategy, academic ambitions, and financial sustainability goals.
The role is central to delivering high quality insight, evidence-based decision support, and rigorous financial stewardship across a complex, multi-college research-intensive institution; it drives the strategic, forward looking analytical function for the University.
The postholder will lead the transformation of how the University plans, allocates, and measures the performance of its £1.4bn+ organisation, driving improved transparency, accountability, and value for money.
This role is distinct from the Business Partnering as it does not provide operational support to within budget area decision makers.
Main responsibilities
Strategic Financial Planning:
Lead the development of the multi-year rolling financial plan.
Shape the financial modelling that underpins strategic initiatives, academic plans, workforce strategies, research growth and capital investment.
Provide evidence-based advice to the CFO, the Senior Leadership Team, University Executive, and the University Court.
Budgeting & Resource Allocation
Lead the development and approach for the University's annual budget cycle, ensuring clarity of assumptions, drivers, risks, and dependencies, building towards a fully integrated planning model
Ensure budgets are aligned to the University's strategy, risk appetite, and required savings trajectory.
Develop, introduce and maintain a transparent and evidence-based budget area contribution model.
Management Reporting
Financial Analysis & Insight
Strategic Financial Assurance in the delivery of business cases & change projects
Stakeholder Leadership
Team Leadership & Development of Planning & Analysis Team
Problem Solving
Decision Making
The Person
Education, Qualifications & Training
Fully Qualified CCAB accountant with experience commensurate with the seniority of the role
Evidence of continuing professional development in financial reporting, audit or financial controls
Knowledge & Experience
Proven senior level FP&A leadership experience in a complex, multi-stakeholder organisation
Deep experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and cost management.
Strong track record of producing high quality financial insight for executive and board-level audiences.
Experience of leading large scale cost reduction or transformation programmes.
Additional Information
The role holder must be eligible for appointment as a director for a University subsidiary company i.e., not precluded under UK Company law. Director's Duties training will be provided
Please note you will receive an automated response advising you that we have received your CV.
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