Financial Planning Analyst

Financial Planning Analyst

Slough Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support teaching and research with financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting.
  • Company: Join a prestigious London university dedicated to education and research excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and opportunities for professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in education while collaborating with diverse teams.
  • Qualifications: Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant with budgeting and forecasting experience.
  • Other info: Ideal for analytical thinkers who thrive in a collaborative environment.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

As a Financial Planning Analyst for a London based University, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the organisation's teaching and research functions through robust financial management. You will be responsible for delivering accurate financial forecasts, modelling student income streams, and contributing to key costing exercises such as TRAC returns. You’ll work closely with academic departments and non-finance colleagues, translating complex financial data into actionable insights. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys collaboration, thrives on analytical challenges, and wants to make a tangible difference in the education sector.

Key Responsibilities
  • Deliver insightful financial analysis and reporting for teaching and research activities.
  • Lead forecasting of tuition fee and funding income, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Provide financial support to Heads of Department and budget managers.
  • Contribute to the preparation of the annual TRAC return and other institutional reports.
  • Undertake detailed cost modelling and sensitivity analysis of academic programmes.
  • Collaborate with internal departments to manage student-related income records.
  • Guide budgeting processes and assist in decision-making on new academic initiatives.
About You
  • Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or actively working towards qualification.
  • Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ideally within an academic or public sector context.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook; experience with finance systems essential.
  • Skilled at communicating financial information to non-specialists in a clear, accessible manner.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple deadlines and collaborate across departments.
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Contact Detail:

Ivy Rock Partners Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Financial Planning Analyst

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific financial processes and reporting requirements of the education sector. Understanding how universities manage their finances, including tuition fees and funding income, will give you a significant edge in discussions during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals already working in financial roles within academic institutions. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the unique challenges they face, which can help you tailor your approach.

✨Tip Number 3

Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly in financial modelling and data analysis. Being able to demonstrate advanced proficiency in Excel during practical assessments or discussions can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss how you can translate complex financial data into actionable insights for non-financial colleagues. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully communicated financial information in an accessible way.

We think you need these skills to ace Financial Planning Analyst

Financial Analysis
Budgeting Skills
Forecasting Skills
Financial Reporting
Cost Modelling
Sensitivity Analysis
Knowledge of TRAC Returns
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Proficiency in Microsoft Word
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook
Experience with Finance Systems
Communication Skills
Collaboration Skills
Time Management
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting. Emphasise any work you've done in an academic or public sector context, as this will resonate with the university's needs.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting educational functions through financial management. Mention specific examples of how you've translated complex financial data into actionable insights in previous roles.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, whether you are part-qualified or fully qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA). If you're actively working towards a qualification, mention your progress and commitment to achieving it.

Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role involves collaborating with non-finance colleagues, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated financial information to those without a finance background. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between finance and academia.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ivy Rock Partners

✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen

Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed financial data or contributed to financial analysis in previous roles.

✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills

Since the role involves working closely with academic departments and non-finance colleagues, share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with diverse teams. Emphasise your ability to communicate complex financial information in a way that is easily understood by non-specialists.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions related to financial modelling and sensitivity analysis. Brush up on your knowledge of TRAC returns and be ready to explain how you would approach cost modelling for academic programmes.

✨Exhibit Your Analytical Mindset

The role requires someone who thrives on analytical challenges. Be ready to discuss how you approach problem-solving and provide examples of how your analytical skills have led to actionable insights in your past work.

Financial Planning Analyst
Ivy Rock Partners
Location: Slough
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