Head of FP&A

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
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