Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis to support strategic decision-making at the University.
- Company: Brunel University London, a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, training opportunities, great pension scheme, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the financial health of a prestigious university.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong analytical skills and leadership experience.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 52500 - 87500 £ per year.
Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) and as a key member of the financial leadership team, this role has a broad remit covering the provision of the financial planning and analysis capability within the University. The role is focused on providing high quality financial support at University Leadership, Senior Management, and Governance levels to support effective financial decision making.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Head of Financial Planning & Analysis to play a pivotal role in managing and optimizing the financial operations of the University. Reporting to the CFO, the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis will be responsible for supporting strategic financial decision-making, overseeing reporting financial, and ensuring the University’s financial health and compliance. The role is responsible for producing analysis and insights on the performance of the University (both forward and backward looking) to drive decision making and support delivery of the University strategic ambitions.
The right candidate will lead, coach and manage staff, collaborate with colleagues and innovate and motivate others. You will need to demonstrate excellent analytical and report writing skills, setting out clear and concise recommendations, alongside excellent interpersonal skills. The role holder will be required to liaise and build strong financial business partnering relationships across both internal and external stakeholders. A process improvement mindset is critical to succeeding in this role.
The Successful Candidate
- The ideal candidate will be confident, and proactive with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
- A driven individual who strives to deliver process improvements, has excellent communication skills with attention to detail; able to work flexibly and to deadline.
- Qualified accountant with sound academic background and logical career progression.
- Build and lead high-performing FP&A teams to deliver strategic decision support for senior leadership.
- Oversee budgeting, planning, course contribution, cash flow improvement, and investment prioritization.
- Design and implement management reporting aligned with the operating model.
- Lead annual budgets, forecasts, long-term plans, and capital expenditure programs.
- Monitor performance against budgets, identify trends, and recommend improvements.
- Define and oversee business case development and provide financial analysis for projects.
We offer a generous annual leave package plus discretionary University closure days, excellent training and development opportunities as well as a great occupational pension scheme and a range of health-related support. The University is committed to a hybrid working approach.
Closing date for applications: 22 January 2026 (23:59). Interviews will take place in late January 2026.
Brunel University London is fully committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive workforce culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, we particularly welcome applicants who are currently under‑represented in our workforce.
Head of Financial Planning and Analysis - 13271 employer: Brunel University London
Contact Detail:
Brunel University London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning and Analysis - 13271
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Brunel University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help you stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the University’s financial strategies and recent developments. We want to see that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led teams or projects successfully. We love candidates who can inspire and motivate others, especially in a financial context.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning and Analysis - 13271
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Financial Planning and Analysis role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial planning, analysis, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at Brunel University. Share specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires excellent analytical skills, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decision-making in your previous roles. We love seeing how you can turn numbers into insights!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us that you're serious about joining our team at Brunel University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brunel University London
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Head of Financial Planning and Analysis, you need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the university sector, such as budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading and coaching teams, so be prepared to share specific examples of how you've built high-performing teams in the past. Highlight your experience in managing staff and fostering collaboration, as well as any innovative approaches you've taken to motivate others.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and process improvement mindset. Think of scenarios where you've identified trends or recommended improvements based on performance analysis. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role requires liaising with various stakeholders, demonstrate your interpersonal skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with internal and external stakeholders in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels of an organisation.