Job Description
Position: Interim Head of Financial Planning & Analysis\n\nLocation: West London\n\nContract: 12-months\n\nReports to: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)\n\nStart date: ASAP\n\nRole Overview:\n\nThe University is seeking an experienced and dynamic Interim Head of Financial Planning & Analysis to join the Financial Leadership Team. This key role involves leading financial planning, analysis, and reporting processes across the University to support high-level decision-making. As part of a forward-thinking team, you will play a crucial role in shaping financial strategies, guiding senior leadership, and ensuring alignment with the University's overall objectives.\n\nKey Responsibilities:\n\nLeadership & People Management\n\nBuild and nurture effective business partner relationships across the University.\nFoster a culture of customer-centric service across all finance operations.\nWork closely with the Associate CFO, Finance Business Partners, and other teams to deliver a cohesive service.\nLead and mentor a team of 4, ensuring professional development and performance.
\n\nFinancial Reporting & Analysis\n\nLead data collection, consolidation, and scenario analysis during budgeting and forecasting cycles, collaborating closely with the Planning Directorate.\nDeliver clear, accurate, and insightful financial and management reports, supporting decision-making at the University's senior levels.\nRegularly prepare briefing papers for senior stakeholders, including the Finance Committee and Collegiate Council.\nDevelop and implement key financial and non-financial KPIs, ensuring effective internal and external reporting.\nOwn financial reporting systems and processes, driving improvements where necessary.\nRun a planning tool project to merge data from one ERP system to another. \n\nStrategic Financial Planning & Support\n\nLead the University's budgeting process, ensuring alignment with operational goals and strategic objectives.\nCollaborate with the CFO to shape the University's financial strategy and long-term funding plans.\nOversee performance reviews and support the management of financial risks across the institution.\nLead the development of business and investment cases, ensuring sound financial appraisals and analysis.\nPartner with external consultants to implement a new planning tool, and manage its ongoing administration. \n\nProcess & Resource Management\n\nAssist in managing the Finance & Planning Department and provide senior team cover as needed.\nEnsure process resilience and continuous improvement within the FP&A team.\nSupport the wider finance team with mentoring and skills development, helping to raise overall financial literacy across the University.
\n\nAdditional Duties\n\nContribute to the overall success of the Finance Division, collaborating with colleagues on various initiatives.\nPerform other duties as required by the CFO, consistent with the responsibilities and grade of the role. \n\nKey Competencies & Skills:\n\nTimeliness & Deadline Management: Ensure projects are delivered on time and to a high standard.\nEffective Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage at all levels.\nProactive Problem-Solving: Ability to independently analyse complex issues and present solutions.\nAdaptability & Flexibility: Comfortable managing competing priorities and shifting demands.\nNetworking & Collaboration: Build strong networks within the University and with external stakeholders.\nLeadership & Influence: Strong management capabilities, with the ability to mentor and guide both team members and senior leadership. \n\nEssential Qualifications & Experience:\n\nEducational Requirements: Degree-level qualification.\nProfessional Certification: CCAB-qualified (or equivalent).\nExperience:\nProven experience in a complex professional service environment.\nSignificant experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.\nBusiness partnering experience, particularly in a higher education sector.\nStrong technical financial skills across risk management, financial accounting, and reporting.\nAbility to lead complex analysis and financial modelling, providing strategic insights.
\n\nAdditional Attributes:\nHigh degree of professionalism, with credibility and influence at senior levels.\nIndependent, proactive, and tactful in challenging situations.\nExcellent communication and interpersonal skills. \n\nThe University's Commitment:\n\nAs a member of the University, you will be expected to:\n\nAdhere to the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of your work.\nFollow University policies on Data Protection, Health & Safety, and Environmental Sustainability.\nEngage in continuous professional development. \n\nThis is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious finance leader to contribute to the growth and success of a prestigious institution.
If you have the expertise to make a significant impact and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, we would love to hear from you