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- Tasks: Lead financial data strategy and enhance decision-making through innovative reporting and analysis.
- Company: Dynamic university environment focused on digital transformation and data-driven success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of finance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming financial data into actionable insights for the university's growth.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in financial analysis and data management.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to influence key projects and drive change.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This key role is new within the University and is responsible for the vision, direction, objectives and timelines to drive the Finance Digital Strategy. The position will provide senior-level leadership and data expertise, supporting the Reporting team and working collaboratively with our skilled wider Business Intelligence and CIS teams. We need a confident communicator who can translate technical analysis into clear business narratives and provide project management and oversight to drive success.
This role is all about shaping the way the University uses financial data to grow. You'll have the ability to influence and design systems, processes, and insights that directly influence the University's continued success, while building a culture where data is integral to decision-making. There are a number of imminent key projects which you will be able to direct and shape, as well as oversee the development, maintenance and continuous improvement of the tools and processes once in place. You will work at all levels of the organisation, collaborating with senior management but also selling your vision and objectives to wider colleagues.
An existing reporting team, consisting of 2 FTE, will be reporting into you and work alongside you to achieve your objectives. This is a critical, exciting yet challenging role and one which you will be able to own and shape in order to meet the University's need for enhanced financial data and decision-making in its changing and complex external environment.
Key Objectives for the Role:- Leading on the development of reporting structures and software platforms that combine financial and non-financial data and spearheading the use of PowerBI and Microsoft Fabric as key data tools for financial analysis and performance understanding.
- Leading on the improvements to the University's budgeting and forecasting processes using new platforms as required together with the embedding of existing tools and methodologies.
- Leading the development of data strategy, reporting frameworks, and insight tools that empower teams to make informed, data-led decisions.
- Working closely with technical teams to transform raw data into accessible and meaningful outputs through the creation, maintenance and continuous improvement of a Finance data lakehouse.
- Building dashboards, reports, and data visualisations that translate numbers into stories and opportunities that drive decision making and continuous improvement to processes.
- Partnering with the Head of Business Intelligence to deliver the strategic planning and delivery of data services, analytics and knowledge management, data-driven decision-making cultural change and data policy as affects Finance.
- Acting as the bridge between technical specialists, Finance senior management and budget holders, making sure data and assumptions used are both reliable and relevant.
- Championing a culture of data fluency across the organisation by coaching teams and promoting self-service reporting.
- Provide expert strategic data insight and intelligence leadership and advice into the digital service and wider University, including strategic digital programmes.
- Engage with Finance and wider University teams to actively promote the value of high-quality data and the skills to best utilise information; to improve the timely, accurate recording of data and ownership of information to provide first class insightful valued analysis.
Head of Financial Planning & Analysis - Durham employer: Durham University
Contact Detail:
Durham University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning & Analysis - Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the University or in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising your storytelling skills. We need to show how our past experiences align with the role's objectives, especially around data strategy and financial analysis.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the latest trends in financial planning and analysis. Being able to discuss these during interviews will demonstrate our passion and knowledge, making us stand out as candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows we’re genuinely interested in being part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning & Analysis - Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Data: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for financial data shine through! We want to see how you can shape the way the University uses data to grow. Share examples of how you've influenced decision-making with data in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Narrative: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role. Highlight your experience with reporting structures and tools like PowerBI. We love seeing candidates who can translate technical analysis into clear business narratives, so don’t hold back!
Highlight Leadership Experience: This role is all about leadership, so be sure to showcase your experience managing teams and projects. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and drive success, so share stories that demonstrate your ability to lead and influence.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the financial data landscape, especially how it relates to the University’s goals. Brush up on PowerBI and Microsoft Fabric, as these tools are crucial for the role. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to drive decision-making in previous positions.
✨Craft Your Vision
Prepare a clear vision of how you would shape the Finance Digital Strategy. Think about specific projects you could lead and how you would improve budgeting and forecasting processes. This will show your potential employer that you’re proactive and have a strategic mindset.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since this role requires translating technical analysis into business narratives, practice explaining complex data concepts in simple terms. Use examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated insights to non-technical stakeholders.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This position involves working with various teams, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with others in the past. Highlight any experience you have in leading teams or projects, and how you’ve fostered a culture of data fluency and self-service reporting.
