The Post This is a senior role operating in the Finance Office and reporting directly to the Head of Financial Planning. This role will involve working directly with senior colleagues, delivering insightful financial guidance, planning and decision support to the business objectives of the University. The post-holder will be an experienced finance business partner who will work with leadership teams across the University to deliver professional finance and accounting advice, as well as proactive and value add finance support to inform decision making. The post- holder will be business focused, highly analytical and aware of the sector and risk environment in which the University operates. In addition to traditional accounting strengths, strong commercial awareness and the ability to challenge stakeholders are highly desirable qualities. With demonstrable skills and experience of working in a busy finance environment you will be able to contribute to the wide range of activities undertaken by finance professionals including financial accounting, management accounting and business development. Experience in developing and implementing business and financial strategies would be preferable, you will be a professionally qualified accountant. As the role may involve liaising with external stakeholders as well as senior members of the University’s staff it is important that the post-holder is able to build and maintain good stakeholder relationships and have excellent communication skills. Description of Duties Financial Strategy and Planning Ensure that financial sustainability is central to the University’s strategy and operation by: Support the identification of new income sources and opportunities in line with the aims of the University Strategic Plan for designated areas Working with key stakeholders in the University to translate business strategies into financial plans, making sure they are complete, robust and fully understood by the relevant budget holders Work with designated areas to support delivery of their in-year forecasts, annual budgets and long-term plans, ensuring they are aligned with targets for revenue, cost and contribution Ensuring finances of strategic development are evaluated and that sound financial advice is provided to stakeholders within the University Providing action plans to address issues and opportunities identified to deliver financial sustainability, identifying significant position changes early to influence financial decisions Maintain a sound understanding of sector developments in relation to financial planning and project support, and an awareness of relevant external policy/guidance, legislation, and government initiatives, providing advice and guidance to colleagues as appropriate Financial Analysis and Insight Preparation of monthly management reporting for designated areas on a timely and accurate basis by combining quantitative, qualitative data and statistical analysis to highlight trends, share insights and evaluate alternatives against business objectives Provide insightful analysis and challenge on all financial matters to identify where efficiencies can be made to demonstrate best value and maximisation of use of resource and make recommendations to senior management Provide value added commentary on financial results, explanations of underlying key performance indicators and provide action plans to address issues and opportunities Performance Measurement Working with the senior colleagues to ensure effective and efficient use of resource and deliver improvement in KPI and league table performance Ensure that all activities, new and existing are fully costed so informed decisions can be taken on the profitability of current and proposed activities Monitor performance indicators to establish viability and sustainability of existing and new activity to ensure that financial business plans are delivered Business Cases Manage the process of investment and project appraisal within the University. Produce clear and insightful financial business cases supporting both revenue and capital investments Challenge and review critical assumptions made in business case to identify risks and opportunities in the financial plans and ensure that stakeholders are actively managing these appropriately Essential Criteria Full membership of a CCAB accounting body (CIFPA, ACCA, ICAS, ICAEW, CIMA) Demonstrable experience of providing finance business partnering or equivalent within a commercial or HEI environment and building relationships across all levels of an organisation Successful track record of working with non-financial managers to drive improvements in decision making and financial performance Demonstrable experience of managing complex funding and financial regimes and scenarios Able to act on initiative, identify opportunities and is proactive in putting forward ideas and solutions Strong communication (both written and oral) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information or ideas in a way that colleagues can understand and act upon Able to prioritise workload to deliver to tight deadlines and manage competing demands from various stakeholders Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft packages such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint and accounting software packages Proven analytical and problem solving capability, with a commitment to continuous improvement An ability to embrace and commit to leading change and innovation Able to be pro-active and to work to own initiative to deadlines Desirable Criteria Previous experience process improvement and change management particularly in the reporting of financial information Knowledge and understanding of HE sector and potential challenges Experience of undertaking project work from inception to delivery of outcomes Additional Information Full time Open ended The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 11 February 2026. Interviews are expected to take place on the week commencing Monday 23 February 2026. There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK. For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a role under SOC code 2422. The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity. For a full description of duties and essential/desirable criteria please click the apply button, which will take you directly to the University Website.