Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and analysis for a leading Scottish higher education institution.
- Company: Join a mission-driven organisation focused on growth and transformation in the education sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 43 days annual leave, hybrid working, and generous pension contributions.
- Why this job: Shape the future of financial planning while driving digital innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: UK accountancy qualification and experience in FP&A leadership required.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; apply even if you don't meet all qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 74000 £ per year.
iMultiply are working in partnership with a leading Scottish higher education institution to recruit a Head of Financial Planning & Analysis — a key leadership role that will shape the organisation’s financial strategy and performance insight capabilities.
About The Role
This senior finance post is critical to enabling high-quality decision-making across the institution. As Head of FP&A, you’ll lead a team of Senior Financial Analysts and be responsible for:
- Delivering strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting cycles
- Implementing rolling forecasts and modern FP&A tools
- Providing actionable insight to the Executive Leadership Team and Board
- Driving financial modelling for academic initiatives and commercial ventures
- Enhancing performance analytics and KPI frameworks
- Leading systems transformation and enabling data-led planning
You’ll also be at the heart of driving digital innovation, supporting automation, AI integration, and predictive analytics in planning processes.
What You’ll Need
- A recognised UK accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ICAS, ICAEW, CPFA)
- Proven experience leading FP&A in complex organisations
- Strong leadership and team development capabilities
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and business partnering skills
- Advanced analytical and financial modelling expertise
- Experience in higher education or public/third sector finance is desirable but not essential.
What’s on Offer
- Salary: up to £66,148
- Annual Leave: Up to 43 days
- Pension: Generous employer contributions
- Additional Benefits: Cycle to Work Scheme, CPD support, free parking, sponsored education, and more
- Location: Based in Edinburgh with hybrid flexible working 1-2 days per week in office
Be part of a mission-driven organisation undergoing significant growth and transformation. Your expertise will influence future planning and long-term sustainability – including ESG integration and strategic agility.
If you like the look of this vacancy and think you could perform the role, but you don’t think you meet all the requirements, please DO APPLY for this opportunity. Data shows that certain groups, mainly women and people from BIPOC communities, are less likely to apply for jobs where they don’t meet 100% of role. iMultiply would encourage you to apply for roles where there is room for development and growth.
iMultiply is committed to diversity and will promote diversity for all employees, workers and applicants. iMultiply will treat everyone equally and will not discriminate on the grounds of an individual’s protected characteristic.
Contact Detail:
s1jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning and Analysis
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the higher education finance sector. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the organisation's culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in financial planning and analysis, especially in the context of higher education. Being able to discuss current challenges and innovations during interviews will demonstrate your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills by gathering examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Be ready to discuss specific situations where your guidance made a significant impact on financial outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the institution's recent financial initiatives and strategic goals. Tailoring your conversation to align with their objectives will show that you're not only interested in the role but also invested in their mission and future.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning and Analysis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial planning and analysis. Emphasise your leadership roles, particularly in complex organisations, and showcase your analytical skills and any experience with FP&A tools.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about the role and how your background aligns with the institution's mission. Mention specific achievements in strategic planning and budgeting that demonstrate your capability to drive financial performance.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your UK accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACCA, etc.) and any additional certifications or training that may enhance your application. This will help establish your credibility in the finance sector.
Showcase Leadership and Communication Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and communicated with stakeholders in previous roles. This is crucial for a position that requires strong leadership and business partnering skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at s1jobs
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Financial Planning and Analysis, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully developed teams in the past.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Make sure to highlight your experience with strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting. Be ready to discuss specific financial models or tools you've implemented that have driven results.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex financial situations. Think of scenarios where you had to provide actionable insights to senior management and how you approached those challenges.
✨Emphasise Digital Innovation Experience
Since the role involves driving digital innovation, be prepared to talk about your experience with automation, AI integration, and predictive analytics. Share examples of how you've used technology to enhance financial processes.
